
Qass^ 
Book- 



THE ARMY HO 



IN 




ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



nOMPILKD BY 

ALEXANDER PLUMMER, D. V. S., 

Vkterinarian 4Tn U. S. Cavalry, 

AND 

RICHARD H. POWER. Y. S., 

Veterinarian .Artillery Corps, 
U. S. Army, 

FOR 

THE INSTIIUCTION OF EARIUEES AND HOESESHOEES 

AT 

thj: school of application 

FOR 

CAVALEY AND FIELD AETILLEEY, 
FORT RILEY, KANSAS. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1903. 



1}.S. (U^^rJU^ SyU^.'tcrJt -fUjl^^jd^. 

THE ARMY HORSE ^ 



ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



COMPILED BY 



ALEXANDER PLUMMER, D. V. S., 

Veterinarian 4th U. S. Cavalry, 



RICHARD H. POWER, V. S. 

Veterinarian Artillery Corps, 
U. S. Army, 



THE INSTRUCTION OF FARRIERS AND HORSESHOERS 

AT 

THE SCHOOL OF APPLICATION 

FOR 

CAVALRY AND FIELD ARTILLERY, 
FORT RILEY, KANSAS. 



>' ). » 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT P KIN TING OFFICE. 

1903. 






By traiists' 
OCT 15 1906 




CONTENTS. 



< •hapt.er I.— Oonfokmation and Points, and External Diseases. 

II.— Stable Management of the 8ick and Injured. Admin- 
istration OF Medicines. Weights and Measures. 
III.— Anatomy. 

IV.— Wounds, Sprains, Bruises, and Contusions. 
v.— Diseases of the Eespiratory System and Influenza. 
VI.— Diseases of the Digestive. Urinary. Nervous, and Lym- 
phatic Systems. 
VII.— Miscellaneous Diseases. 
VIII.— Diseases of the Skin and Eye. 
IX.— Diseases of the Feet. 

X.— Diseases of Bone, and Detection of Lameness. 
XL— Medicines, their Actions and Uses. 



(3) 



AUTHORITIES COIS^SULTED. 



Fbiedbukgek and Fkohnek: Pathology and Therapeutics of the 

Domestic Animals. 
Williams: Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. 
Bureau OF Animal Industry: Special Report on Diseases of the Horse. 
Smith; Veterinary Hygiene. 
Mollee: Operative Veterinary Surgery. 
Fleming: Operative Veterinary Surgery. 
Liautaed: Manual of Veterinary Surgery. 
Wtman: Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse. 
Steangeway: Veterinary Anatomy. 

Chauveau: Comparative Anatomy of Domesticated Animals. 
Smith: A Manual of Veterinary Physiology. 
Dun: Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. 
Quitman: Notes on Veterinary Medicine. 

Neumann : Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of the Domesticated Animals. 
Cadiot : A Treatise on Veterinary Therapeutics of the Domestic Animals. 
Bureau of Animal Industry: Emergency Report on Surra. 



THE AEMY HORSE W ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



CHAPTER I. 

CONFORMATION ANI> POINTS ANI3 EXTERNAL 
DISEASES. 

CONFORMATION AND POINTS. 

The forehead should be broad and not bulging. The eyes should 
be full, clear, and promment,\vith a mild expression, and not show 
ing any of the white. Thamuzzle should not be large, as a coarse, 
large muzzle indicates ill breeding. The nostrils should be large 
and open. The face should be straight. The lower jaw should 
have ample width between the two sides for the development and 
play of the larynx (Adam's apple) and windpipe; and, in addi- 
tion, to allow the head to be nicely bent on the neck. 

The ears should be of medium size, set well on the head; they 
should not lop. 

The parotid and submaxillary regions should be free from 
large glands and without any loose skin at the lower part of the 
throat. 

The neck should be of moderate length, clean, and not too nar- 
row at a point just in rear of the throat; a short, thick neck does 
not allow of free movement from side to side, and a long, slim 
neck is apt to be too pliable. The point of the shoulder should be 
well developed, and the point of the elbow should not be turned 
in, as the horse is very apt to turn his toes out. The opposite 
conformation is indicated by turned-in, or " pigeon toes." 

The forearm should be long and muscular; the knee broad, and 
when looked at from the front should be much wider than the 
limb above and below, and taper off backward to a compara- 
tively thin edge. 

The leg immediately below the knee should be as large as any 
other part, and not "tied in," which indicates a weakness of the 



8 

part. A bending of the knee backward is called a " calf knee," 
and is very objectionable. The opposite condition is known as 
' ' knee sprung. ' ' 

The fetlock joint should be of good size and clean, the pasterns 
of moderate length, and form an angle of between 45 and 60 
degrees with the cannon bone. 

The foot should be of moderate size; a flat foot or one too 
narrow at the heels is objectionable. 

The relative proportions of the shoulders and exact shape 
desirable vary considerably in cavalry and artillery horses. 
Thus, when speed and activity are essential, as in the cavalry 
horse, the shoulder should be oblique (sloping), as it gives elas- 
ticity to the gait of the horse, while for the artillery horse, work- 
ing in harness, a straight, upright shoulder enables the pressure 
of the collar to be more easily borne and allows the animal to 
exert his strength at right angles to his long axis. 

The withers should not be thin and high, as this conformation 
will allow the saddle to slip too far forward and the i)ommel to 
rest upon the withers. The bars of the saddle will be forced 
against the shoulder blades, causing irritation and inflammation. 
The withers should not be low or thick, as the saddle is then apt 
to pinch them. 

The chest should be of moderate width and have considerable 
depth, as a narrow chest indicates weakness, and a wide, heavy 
chest is suitable for heavy-draft horses only. 

The capacity of the lungs is marked by the size of the chest at 
the girth, but the stamina will depend upon the depth of the back 
ribs. The barrel should not be broad back of the cinch, as it 
would cause the cinch to slip forward and chafe the body just 
back of the point of the elbow. The opposite conformation 
would allow the saddle and cinch to slip backward. The back 
should be short, with muscles well developed, and the upper lines 
of the back should bend down a little behind the withers and 
then swell out very gently to the junction of the loins, which can 
hardly be too broad and muscular. 

The last rib should be placed close to the point of the hip, as 
this is an indication of strength, and the horse is more easily kept 
in good condition than one having the opposite conformation. 

A slightly arched loin is essential to the power of carrying 
weight: a much arched or "hog back "is almost siire to give 



9 

uneasy action from its want of elasticity. The hips should be 
broad. 

The quarters and gaskins should be broad. The muscles of the 
two quarters should come close together and leave no hollow 
below the anus, as that conformation would be an indication of 
a want of constitution. 

The hock should be of good size, but clean and flat, and with 
a good clean point standing clear of the joint. The cannon bone 
should be short, not tied in below the hock, and the line from 
the point of the hock to the back part of the fetlock should be 
vertical. 

The hocks should stand well apart, but not enough to give the 
horse the appearance of being " bow-legged." 

" Cow-hocked," so called, is when the hocks are placed together 
and the hind feet wide apart, with the toes turned out. The fet- 
lock should not bend forward, as it is an indication of weakness, 
and is known as " cocked ankle." 

The pastern and feet should be formed to corresi)ond with those 
of the fore extremity. 

The croup should not have much slope; the dock should be 
large and muscular; the tail should be carried firmly and well 
away from the quarters. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES. 

Under this heading the diseases appearing upon the outside of 
the body are considered; they are commonly regarded as blemishes 
or defects and are the results of injuries more or less severe. 

They may be enumerated as follows: 

1. Diseases of bones. 

2. Diseases of synovial membranes. 

3. Diseases of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 

4. Diseases of the foot. 

1. Diseases of bones. 

Bone spavin. — Location: Lower and inner part of the hock 
joint. 

Splints. — Location: Usually appearing on the inner side be- 
tween the large and small metacarpal bones. 

Sidebones (ossification of lateral cartilages). — Location: Sides 
of the foot just above the coronet. 

Ringbone. — Location: Between coronet and fetlock joint. 



10 
-^. Diseases of synovial inembranes. 

Bog spavin (blood spavin).— Location: Front part of hock 
joint. 

Tliorovgh pin. — Location: Upper and back part of hock joint. 

Windjniffs (windgalls) .—Location: On the sides of the tendons 
just above the fetlock joints. 

Other bursal enlargements may be found located on various 
parts of the legs, but no special name has been given to them. 

S. Diseases of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 

Poll evil. — Location: In the region of the poll. 

Fistulous ivithers. — Location: In the region of the withers. 

Sweeny (atrophy or wasting of the muscles) . —Location: Usually 
in the shoulders or the hip. 

Broken knees. — Location: Front part of the knee joint. 

Capped elbow. — Location: Point of the elbow. 

Capped /iocZ?. ^Location: Point of the hock. 

Curb. — Location: Lower and back part of the hock. 

Sprung knees. — Location: Knees. 

Cocked ankles. — Location: Fetlock joints. 

Bowed tendons. — Location: Flexor tendons below the knees 
and hock. 

Breakdown. — Location: Sprain of the suspensory ligament. 

Saddle galls. — Location: On the saddle bed. 

Cinch galls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact with 
the cinch. 

Collar galls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact with 
the collar. 

4. Diseases of the foot. 

Thrush. — Location: Frog. 

Canker. — Location: Frog and sole. 

Chronic laminitis. — Location: Sensitive laminae. 

Corn. — Location: Between the wall and bar. 

Quarter crack. — Location: Quarters of the hoof. 

Quittor. — Location: Top of the coronet. 

Contracted heels. — Location: Heels. 

Toe cracks. — Location: At the toe of the hoof. 



11 



CHAPTER II. 

STABI.F. MANAGEMENT OF THE SICK AND INJURED. 
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. TVEIGHTS AND 

MEASURES. 

CARE OF THE SICK. 

The sick horse should be, if practicable, immediately removed 
to a large, clean, light and well- ventilated box stall, free from 
drafts and located as far as possible from other horses. Clean 
bedding should be provided, and the stall kept free from manure 
and moisture. If such a stall can not be provided a double stall, 
with the kicking bar removed and ropes or bars placed across 
the front of it, will answer the purpose. 

If the patient is suffering from a febrile disease (fever) during 
the cold season of the year paulins or horse covers can be hung 
up in such a manner as to serve as a protection from drafts, 
care being taken to allow sufficient air to enter this improvised 
box stall. Such patients must be clothed according to the season 
of the year, the blanket drawn well forward on the neck and 
fastened in front, the legs hand-rubbed and bandaged with red 
flannels. These should be changed several times daily, and the 
legs thoroughly rubbad to stimulate circulation. 

Horses with diseases of the nervous system require to be kept 
absolutely quiet, to do which they must be removed as far as 
possible from all noise. It is preferable that only one man be 
allowed to attend to their wants, as a change of attendants 
would very likely cause excitement and thus increase the severity 
of the disease. Animals suffering from debilitating diseases 
should be tempted with and fed any food that is rich in nourish- 
ment and easily digested. It should be given only in such quan- 
tities as the animal will readily eat, and any portion left over 
should be at once removed, as food constantly placed before a 
sick animal will have a tendency to deprive it of all appetite. 
Food that is wet, such as bran mashes or steamed oats, will soon 
sour in warm weather and will get cold or may freeze during the 
winter; if eaten in these conditions it may cause diarrhea, 
colic, etc. Feed boxes, water buckets, and all parts of the stall 
must be kept clean and free from odor. The hay should be 
clean and bright, and only the best given to the sick animal. 



12 

Pure water should be provided, and placed in such a position as 
to enable the animal to reach it without difficulty; a sick horse 
will frequently rinse its lips and mouth with water if given the 
opportunity, even if not thirsty. The water should be changed 
as often as necessary during the day to insure a pure and fresh 
supply at all times. 

A horse suffering from colic requires sufficient space, well 
bedded, to prevent injuring himself by rolling during a spasm of 
pain. A man should be constantly in attendance, as there is 
danger of the animal becoming cast and unable to get up with- 
out assistance. 

Undigested matter being the exciting cause in almost all cases 
of colic, food should be withheld for about twelve hours after 
all pain has disappeared, and then given only in small quantities 
during the next twenty-four hours, after which the ordinary 
ration may be resumed. A few swallows of pure water may be 
given at short intervals, special care being taken when the water 
is very cold. 

CARE OF THE INJURED. 

If the horse is seriously injured and stands with difficulty, he 
should be placed in slings to partially support the weight of the 
body. The slings must be properly adjusted, fitting closely 
behind the elbows in such a manner as to sux)port the weight of 
the body on the chest and not on the abdomen. This position is 
maintained by the use of the breast piece and breeching, which 
prevent the shifting of the sling. A single stall, having a level 
floor, free from bedding, is more suitable than one allowing 
more motion to the animal. 

If the horse is but slightly injured, there is no necessity of 
placing him in slings. An ordinary stall with a level floor is all 
that is required. After the injury has been dressed he should 
be allowed to stand without being disturbed. If very lame, and 
movement is painful, the quieter he is kept the more quickly will 
recovery take place. Absolute rest and perfect quietude are two 
very essential things, and when secured they will hasten the 
process of recovery without inflicting unnecessary pain upon the 
animal. In some surgical cases it is necessary to restrain the 
animal so that he can not injure himself by rubbing or biting 
the affected parts. This can be accomplished by tying up the 



13 

head, the application of side lines, or the use of the cradle. 
Bandages may be applied to the legs of horses for three different 
purposes: First, to give support to the blood vessels and synovial 
bursse; second, as a vehicle for api)lying cold lotions; and third, 
for drying and warming the legs. 

The pulse is the beating of the arteries, and is usually felt at 
the jaw (the submaxillary artery) , or on the inner side of the arm 
(the brachial artery) , and is an important guide in determining 
the physical condition of the animal; the normal pulsations are 
about 40 per minute. It is best taken by placing the fore or 
middle finger transversely on the artery. The slightest excite- 
ment, when. the horse is sick, will cause an alteration in the pulse; 
therefore the animal should be approached very quietly. A 
strong and full pulse is an indication of health. 

A full and bounding pulse denotes the first stages of fever, 
afterwards becoming small and weak. A very slow pulse denotes 
disease or injury of the brain or spinal cord. An imperceptible 
pulse indicates the approach of death. 

At rest the healthy horse breathes from 13 to 15 times per 
minute. Difiiculty in breathing is a prominent symptom of dis- 
ease of the respiratory organs: it may also be observed in some 
cases of flatulent colic. Abdominal breathing is the respiratory 
movement performed with the ribs fixed as much as possible, 
owing to pain or mechanical obstruction in the chest, and is a 
symptom of pleurisy and hydrothorax (water in the chest). 

Irregular breathing is that condition where there is a want of 
harmonious correspondence between the inspiratory and expira- 
tory movements, and is observed in the disease commonly known 
as " broken wind " or "heaves." The inspiratory movement in 
this affection is performed quickly and with a jerky effort, while 
the expiratory movement is performed slowly and with a double 
action, more particularly of the abdominal muscles. Irregular 
breathing often becomes spasmodic or convulsive during the 
progress of the disease. 

The mean temperature of the horse in those internal parts 
which are most easily accessible, as the mouth and rectum, may 
be estimated at from 99' to 101° F. In very young animals the 
tempsrature is commonly about lOr, but in very old ones it has 
been known to be as low as 96° F. The external parts of the 
body become lowered in temperature according to their distance 



14 

from the heart, and are liable to much variation from the state 
of the surrounding atmosphere. 

The production of animal heat is due to certain chemical and 
vital changes which are continually taking place in the body, and 
consist in the absorption of oxygen by the capillaries in the lungs, 
the combination of that oxygen with the carbon and hydrogen 
derived from the disintegration of animal tissues, and from cer- 
tain elements of the food which have not been converted into 
tissue. 

This combination of oxygen, or oxidation, not only takes place 
in the blood, which may be looked upon as a fluid tissue, but in 
the tissue cells also, in all i^arts of the body, the animal heat 
being maintained by the natural changes which are essential to 
a healthy condition. 

The lungs of a horse will contain from 1 to \}4 cubic feet of 
air, and at each inspiration about 250 cubic inches are drawn 
through the trachea. The surface of the lungs to which this 
amount of air is exposed is calculated to be equal to 289 square 
feet. Air, then, containing impurities, is exposed to an absorb- 
ent area within the body equal to five and a half times the sur- 
face of the skin. A horse in a state of quiescence gives off from 
2 to 3 cubic feet of CO- every hour from the lungs, and a certain, 
though an undetermined, portion is also given off by the skin; 
but taking that from the lungs alone it would amount to from 
48 to 72 cubic feet in twenty-four hours, or, if converted into car- 
bon, would give us a solid block weighing about 2% pounds. 

The air from marshes contains an excess of carbonic acid gas 
and a diminished proportion of oxygen, consequently horses 
should not be kept in the vicinity of a marsh, as the blood would 
then contain an excess of carbonic acid gas (COO and an insuffi- 
cient amount of oxygen; it would be imperfectly purified; the 
vitality of the animal would be lessened, and he would be more 
susceptible and succumb more easily to any disease that he might 
contract. 

A pure air will contain 20.99 per cent of oxygen; an average 
air 20.96 per cent. The expired air, in health, in 100 parts con- 
tains 19 instead of 21 parts of oxygen, and 1 to 2 per cent, instead 
of 0.03 to 0.04 per cent, of carbonic acid gas, which pure air should 
contain. 



15 

One thousand six hundred cubic feet of air space should be 
provided for each horse in the stable, and the stables be so 
arranged that fresh air may be admitted without causing drafts. 

EFFECTS OF AN IMPURE SUPPLY OF WATER. 

However harmless impure water may have been to animals in a 
wild state, the more we subject them to an artificial existence 
the more we remove them from the immunity they may have 
possessed against common causes of disease and the greater lia- 
bility is there for the development of diseases which originally 
may never have existed. 

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 

Medicines may enter the body through any of the following- 
designated channels: First, by the mouth; second, by the lungs 
and upper air passages; third, by the skin; fourth, under the 
skin (hypodermically) ; fifth, by the rectum, and sixth, by intra- 
venous injection. 

1. By the mouth. — Medicines can be given by the mouth in the 
form of powders, balls, and drenches. 

2. By the air passages.— Medicines are administered to the 
lungs and upper air passages by inhalations and nasal douches. 

3. By the skin. — Care must be taken in applying some medi- 
cines over too large a portion of the body at any one time, as 
poisoning and death may follow from too rapid absorption 
through the skin. For domestic animals medicines are to be 
applied to the skin for local purposes or diseases only. 

4. Medicines may be given by the rectum when we can not 
give or have them retained by the mouth; when we want local 
action; to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels; 
to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the intestine and cause an 
evacuation, and to nourish the body. 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

Solid measure. 
I grain (gr.). 

1 dram (dr. ) 60 grains. 

1 ounce (oz.) 8 drams. 

1 pound (lb.)- 16 ounces. 



16 

Liquid measure. 
1 minim (min.), 

1 fluid dram (fl. dr. ) 60 minims. 

1 fluid ounce (fl. oz.) 8 fluid drams. 

1 pint (O. ) 16 fluid ounces. 

1 quart (Oil.) 32 fluid ounces. 

1 gallon (CI . ) 4 quarts. 



CHAPTER III. 

AX ATOMY. 

The skeleton is the framework for the support of the softer 
structures, and is composed of 216 bones, exclusive of the teeth, 
of various sizes and forms. 

Flat bones are found covering vital organs, i. e., skull, ribs, 
and scapula: long bones are found principally in the extremities, 
for the support of the body. 

The spinal column is composed of bones of very irregular shape, 
which are divided into five groups according to their location, 
and are known as vertebrae. Comrhencing at the back of the 
head, the first seven are called the cervical vertebrae, or bones of 
the neck; the next eighteen are called the dorsal vertebrae, form- 
ing the main part of the back; the next six or seven, the lumbar 
vertebrae, form the loins; the croup or sacrum, composed of five 
bones, which in the adult animal are united together as one bone; 
and following this are found the coccyx or tail bones, numbering 
from thirteen to twenty. 

The ribs are eighteen on each side, attached above to the dorsal 
vertebrae and below, the first eight (true ribs) by cartilage to the 
sternum or breastbone: the remaining ten, known as false or 
floating ribs, are attached by cartilage to one another and indi- 
rectly to the sternum: they form the walls of the chest and serve 
as a protection for the heart, lungs, and large blood vessels. 

The skull, containing cavities (or chambers), is composed of 
irregularly-shaped flat bones, the most important of which is the 
cranium, or brainpan, occupied by the brain and communicat- 
ing with the bony channel passing through the center of the 
cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and sometimes the first two or 



17 

three coccygeal vertebrae. These cavities communicate with the 
brain by narrow passages, through one of which the optic nerve 
passes. 

On each side, below the eye, are two closed cavities known as 
the superior and inferior maxillary sinuses; in the lower third of 
the skull are found the nasal chambers extending from the nos- 
trils backward to the pharynx, and separated by a thin partition 
of bone and cartilage, the floor of these cavities forming the 
roof of the mouth. From the orbital fossae the skull gradually 
becomes narrower and terminates a short distance below the 
nostrils in the premaxilla, which contains the six upper incisor 
teeth, which, with the corresponding teeth in the lower jaw, 
form the anterior boundary of the mouth, which extends back- 
ward to the pharynx. On the posterior upper portion of this 
cavity are found six molar teeth on each side, and that portion 
of the jaw between them and the incisors is called the interdental 
space. Situated on each side near to the incisor teeth in this 
space are found, in the male, the tushes or canine teeth. 

The inferior maxilla, or lower jaw, a bone whose two segments 
are firmly united anteriorly, diverges backward somewhat in 
the form of a letter V, each branch terminating superiorly in an 
articulated surface which unites it to the skull proper. The 
diverging branches of the jaw, include a space appropriately 
called the maxillary space. Found in the united or front part of 
this bone are the inferior incisors, and in the male the canine 
teeth, and in the branches the inferior molars or grinders, which 
correspond with those of the upper jaw. 

The space between the molars and incisors is the same as that 
in the upper jaw. 

The front leg is composed of the following-named bones and 
joints, given in order from above downward: Scapula and 
humerus, forming the shoulder joint; humerus, radius, and 
ulna, forming the elbow joint; radius, carpus (seven or eight 
small bones) , and metacarpus, forming the knee joint; metacar- 
pal, 03 suffraginis, and two sesamoids, forming the fetlock joint; 
03 suffraginis and os coronae, forming the pastern joint; os 
coronae, os pedis, and os navicularis, forming the navicular or 
coffin joint. 

The hind leg is CQmposed of the following bones: The pelvis, 
situated underneath the sacrum and part of the coccygeal 



18 

vertebrae, and formed of three irregularly shaped bones on each 
side, united at the bottom, and forming a cavity occupied by the 
bladder and the rectum; the femur, united with the pelvis, 
forms the hip joint; the femur, tibia, and patella form the stifle 
joint; the tibia, tarsus (six bones) , and the metatarsal bones form 
the hock joint; the metatarsal, os suffraginis, and two sesamoids 
form the fetlock joint; below this the bones and joints are the 
same as in the fore leg. 

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS. 

The joints are all formed between two or more separate bones, 
having a soft elastic substance interposed, whose structure varies 
with the amount of motion. Where this is extensive, as in the 
joints of the limbs, the adjacent surfaces are covered with a 
peculiar kind of cartilage arranged in a thin and very smooth 
layer upon them. In addition to this protaction against friction 
and vibration the bones are firmly bound together by strong 
bands of white, fibrous, inelastic tissue under the general name 
of ligaments. A lubricating fluid (called synovia) is required to 
reduce the amount of friction; and to produce it, as well as to 
keep it within proper limits, a membrane (synovial) is developed. 
In the neck much greater freedom of motion is required to admit 
of lowering the head in grazing an:l the raising of it for various 
purposes, as well as for balancing its great weight at all times. 
Lateral flexion and rotation on its own axis are also necessitated 
for the purpose of directing the muzzle right or left of the 
straight line; and for these several movements the following 
ligament (ligamentum nuchae) is provided: 

The ligamentum nuchge is formed entirely of yellow, elastic 
tissue, and occupies the angle formed posteriorly by the anterior 
dorsal spines and interiorly by the cervical spinous process, thus 
separating the cervical muscles of the right side from those of 
the left. 

Capsular ligaments are fibrous structures inclosing joints, their 
use being to form cavities around them inclosing and protecting 
the synovial or lubricating apparatus inside. 

The suspensory ligament should be carefully studied on 
account of the numerous accidents to which it is liable. It is a 
long, strong band of fibrous tissue arising in the back part of 
the lower bones of the carpus (knee) and the upper part of the 



19 

metacarpus (cannon bone), occupying the space between the 
splint bones; it passes down immediately behind the cannon 
bone, lying between it and the tendon of the flexor pedis peif or- 
alis, bifurcating (dividing into two) about the lower third of 
this bone and becoming attached to the sesamoids, v^hence the 
parts pass forward and downward, joining the tendon of the 
extensor pedis just above the pastern joint. It is thin and com- 
paratively weak toward the knee, but as it approaches the fetlock 
joint it almost equals the back tendons (sinews) in substance, 
and its volume and wiriness to the touch may be taken as some 
test of the power of any particular leg to resist a breakdown. 

The suspensory ligament of the hind leg corresponds in every 
particular with that of the fore leg. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligam3nt stretches from the posterior 
border of the calcaneum to the posterior part of the cuboid, 
ending on the head of the external splint bone. A sprain of this 
ligament is known as a " curb," 

MUSCLES AND TENDONS. 

The muscles are divided into voluntary and involuntary mus- 
cles; the former being under the direct control of the will, as, 
for example, the muscles of the neck, legs, tail, etc.; and the lat- 
ter acting ini3p3n;l3ntly of the animal's will, as, for example, 
the heart, intestines, etc. 

The muscles form about one-half of the entire weight of the 
body. With regard to their form they are divided into long, wide, 
and short. Long muscles are generally found in the limbs; wide 
muscles are stretched beneath the skin or around the great cav- 
ities of the trunk, and the short muscles are found chiefly around 
the short bones. 

Tendons are white, round or flattened cords affixed to the 
extremities of the long muscles. They stretch or contract the 
muscles, but do not themselves change form. 

The wide muscles are provided with broad bands of fibrous 
tissue, by means of which they are attached to other structures. 

Extensor muscles (extensors) have the power of extending one 
bone upon another and the flexor muscles (flexors) have the 
opposite action. 

The extensor pedis is the principal extensor of the fore leg; it 
originates at the inferior extremity of the humerus, and its fleshy 



20 

portion continues to the lower third of the radius; there it 
becomes tendinous, and passing down over the knee continues 
along the front of the leg and becomes attached to the upper and 
front part of the os pedis. Action, to extend the leg. 

ThQ flexor i^edis perforatus originates from the inner and lower 
part of the humerus; it passes down the back i3art of the leg, 
becoming tendinous just above the carpus; below the pastern it 
bifurcates, forming a ring for the passage of the tendon of the 
perf orans and becomes attached to the sides of the os coronce. 
Action, to flex the lower part of the leg. 

The flexor pedis perforans originates with the j^erfor^atus; its 
fleshy portion passes down and is attached to the back part of 
the radius; its tendinous portion, beginning at the knee, passes 
down the leg between the cannon bone and the tendon of the 
perforatus, over the back of the fetlock and through the arch 
formed by the division of the tendon of the perforatus, and is 
attached to the under surface of the os pedis. Action, to flex 
the leg. 

The extensor pedis of the hind leg originates at the lower and 
front part of the femur; its fleshy portion extends downward 
along the front surface of the tibia to the hock, where it becomes 
tendinous; passing thence down the front of the leg it is attached 
in the same manner as the extensor pedis of the front leg. 
Action, to extend the leg. 

ll'h.Q flexor metatarsi is divided into two portions — a muscular 
and a tendinous. The tendinous part is a strong pearly white 
cord, situated between the muscular portion and the extensor 
pedis. It commences at the inferior extremity of the femur, 
finally terminating in two branches — a large one inserted in front 
of the superior extremity of the cannon bone and the other and 
narrower one deviating outward to reach the anterior surface of 
the cuboid bone. The fleshy portion originates on the anterior 
face of the tibia and is inserted by two tendons, one in the head 
of the large metatarsal bone, the other in the small cuneiform on 
the inner side of the hock. Action, to flex the hock. 

The flexor pedis perforatus of the hind leg originates at the 
posterior lower part of the femur. Its fleshy portion extends 
about halfway down the tibia, then, becoming tendinous, it 
passes over the point of the hock, being continued down the back 



21 

of the leg, and is attached in the same manner as the verforatus 
is on the front leg. Action, to flex the hind leg. 

The flexor pedis perforans of the hind leg originates at the 
npp3r and back portion of the tibia. Above the hock it becomes 
tendinous and passes down over the inner and back side of the 
hock, and is attached to the os pedis in the same manner as the 
perforans of the front limb. Action, to flex the joints below 
th3 hock. 

The pannicidus carnosus (fly shaker) is a flat muscle situated 
on the inner surface of the skin, covering most of the neck, sides 
of the chest, and belly. Action, to shake the skin. 

The principal muscles of the back and loins are the longissimus 
dorsi, gluteus externus, gluteus maximus, and gluteus iuternus. 

The longissimi dorsi is situated on the superior part of the back 
and loins, and is the largest and most powerful muscle in the 
body, occupying the space on either side of the dorsal and lumbar 
spines. It is broad and fleshy at its origin in the loins and 
becomes narrower as it proceeds forward. It is attached to the 
anterior part of the pelvis {ilium), first two bones of the sacrum, 
all of the lumbar and dorsal vertebrge, the external surface of the 
last fifteen or sixteen ribs, and to the last three or four cervical 
vertebrEe. Action ; it is brought powerfully into play by kicking 
and rearing, by elevation of the fore or hind quarters, according 
to whether the fore or hind limbs are fixed. Acting singly, the 
result is lateral flexion of the back and loins. 

Gluteus externus is a V-shaped muscle situated on the external 
part of the croup. It originates on the anterior part of the pelvis 
and at the second and third sacral spines. Insertion, to the upper 
and outer part of the femur. Action, to draw the thigh outward. 

Gluteus maximus is a very large muscle, originating in the 
lumbar region; it is attached to the pelvis and sacrum and is 
inserted on the upper and outer portion of the femur. Action, 
to extend the fernur on the pelvis, and when the posterior limbs 
are fixed, to assist in rearing. 

Gluteus internus is situated underneath the gluteus maximus 
and above the hip joint. It originates from the shaft of the 
ilium (anterior bone of the pelvis) , and is inserted by a tendon 
to the superior part of the femur. Action, to draw the leg out- 
ward and rotate it inward. 



22 



THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. 



The organs of respiration are the nostrils, nasal chambers, 
pharynx, larynx, trachea, hronchii, bronchial tubes, and air 
cells, which are all lined, except the air cells, with mucous mem- 
brane. The nostrils are two, right and left, oblong openings 
situated in the anterior part of the face, at the commencement 
of the nasal chambers. The nasal chambers extend from the 
nostrils to the pharynx and are separated from each other by the 
cartilaginous septum nasi; each chamber is divided by the tur- 
binated bone into three passages, and all are lined with a deli- 
cate, pale rose-colored membrane, the Schneiderian membrane, 
which is continuous with the skin of the nostrils. 

The pharynx is a muscular, membranous cavity, common to 
the digestive and respiratory canals, somewhat cylindrical in 
form, and extending backward to the larynx and the esophagus. 

The larynx is a complex musculo-cartilaginous valve, situated 
at the anterior part of the trachea or windpipe. It gives passage 
to air and at the same time is the organ of voice. The anterior 
extremity opens into the pharynx and the posterior into the 
trachea; it lies in the posterior part of the maxillary space and 
is commonly known as '"Adam's apple." 

The trachea, or windpipe, is a cylindrical, flexible tube consist- 
ing of a series of incomplete cartilaginous rings, numbering from 
forty to fifty, according to the length of the neck. It succeeds 
the larynx, runs down the neck, enters the thorax or chest, and 
terminates at the base of the heart where it branches into the 
right and left hronchii, which enter the lungs and subdivide into 
branches termed bronchial tubes. These, becoming gi^adually 
smaller as they divide, finally terminate in air cells. The entire 
ramification, when isolated, has the appearance of a tree, the 
trachea being the trunk, the hronchii and bronchial tubes the 
branches, and the air cells the leaves. These structures are 
accompanied throughout by arteries, veins, and nerves. 

The thorax, or chest, is formed by the ribs, sternum, and bodies 
of the dorsal vertebrae, the intercostal muscles, and the dia- 
phragm. It contains the lungs, heart, large blood vessels, the 
trachea, esophagus, and a number of nerves. The thwax is 
lined by two serous membranes, the right and left pleura, each 
pleura lining one-half the thorax and enveloping the structures 
contained therein. 



23 

The kings, the essential organs of respiration, are spongy 
organs of a conical shape, and are situated in the thoracic cavity, 
being very light and porous. (Healthy lungs float in water.) 

The diaphragm or midriff is the muscular partition which 
separates the thorax from the abdomen. 

DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

The digestive organs consist of the alimentary canal and its 
accessories, by which the alimentary matter (food) is subjected 
to the special actions which adapt it for the purpose of nutrition. 

Each division is provided with accessories; the preparatory 
with the teeth and salivary glands, and the essential organs vdth 
the pancreas, liver, spleen, etc. 

The esophagus, or gullet, is a musculo-membranous, cylin- 
drical canal passing from the i^harynx to the stomach, through 
which the food reaches the latter. 

The stomach is a division of the alimentary canal, continuous 
with the esophagus and small intestines, where the food is con- 
verted into chyme by maceration and the action of the gastric 
juice ; it is very small in the horse in proportion to his size. It 
lies in the abdominal cavity just behind the liver. Its internal, 
or mucous, coat is divided into right and left portions, the latter 
is the cutaneous portion and is continuous with the mucous mem- 
brane of the esophagus, which it resembles in structure and 
appearance, being of a pale white color. The right portion, the 
villous, or true digestive coat, is reddish in color, soft, very vas- 
cular, and velvety looking. 

The capacity of the stomach is from S to 833 gallons. 

The intestines are divided into large and small. The small 
intestines are continuous with the stomach, rather more than an 
inch in diameter and about 72 feet in length. The large intes- 
tines, measuring about 22 feet in length, extend from the termi- 
nation of the small intestines to the anus, and may be regarded 
as consisting of four parts, the caecum, great colon, floating 
colon, and the rectum. 

The anns is the posterior opening of the alimentary canal, 
being below the root of the tail. It forms a round projection, 
which becomes less prominent with age. 

The intestines are supported throughout their entire length by 
strong bands of fibrous tissue extending from the backbone. 



24 

The liver is the largest secreting gland in the body, weighing 
from 10 to 12 pounds. Its shape is very irregularly elliptical, 
thick in the center, gradually becoming thinner at the borders. 
It is situated immediately behind the diaphragm and secretes a 
fluid called bile, which is emptied directly into the small intes- 
tines, as the horse is not provided with a gall bladder. 

The pancreas (sweetbread) is situated behind the stomach and 
in front of the kidneys. It is of a reddish cream color, and 
weighs about 17 ounces. Its function is to secrete pancreatic 
fluid, which is poured into the duodenum. 

The abdominal cavity, or belly, is a large and somewhat oval 
cavity, bounded superiorly by the muscles of the back, inferiorly 
by the abdominal muscles, anteriorly by the diaphragm; poste- 
riorly it is continuous with the pelvic cavity. 

PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION. 

The food is received into the digestive or alimentary tube; 
there it is subjected to a series of agencies by which it is, in 
greater or less part, digested and worked up to a condition in 
which it can be sucked up by the appropriate vessels, and, while 
this portion is absorbed by the circulation, the effete remainder 
passes on and is discharged. 

The digestive tube, beginning at the mouth, is continued to 
the stomach by the throat and esophagus or gullet, while the 
stomach is succeeded by the small and large intestines. 

In its passage along this tract (tube) the food is subjected to 
both mechanical and chemical processes. The food is taken into 
the mouth by the lips, where it is masticated (or chewed) and 
mixed with saliva; it is then swallowed, passed into the stomach, 
acted upon by the gastric juice, and when thoroughly macerated 
(rolled, mixed, and soaked) it enters the first portion of the 
small intestines, and is acted upon by the secretions of the liver 
and pancreatic gland (bile and pancreatic fluid) ; from this point 
onward the food, having been brought in contact with and thor- 
oughly mixed with the several fluids above mentioned, is now 
ready for the nutritive portions to be absorbed into the circula- 
tion for the nourishment of the animal, which is accomplished 
by little villi, situated in the mucous membrane lining the intes- 
tines. The villi are small projections of the mucous membrane 
of the small intestines. 



25 

The functional processes of digestion are prehension (the taking 
up of the food by the lips), mastication (chewing or grinding), 
and, simultaneously with this, insalivation, or mixing the food 
with saliva, which is secreted by the salivary glands, situated in 
different parts of the head; deglutition, or swallowing the pre- 
pared food by means of the tongue, pharynx, and esophagus 
(gullet). 

Chylification, or the conversion of chyme into chyle, is a 
change which takes place in the duodenum by the action of the 
bile and pancreatic fluid, followed by the absorption of the nu- 
tritive material into the circulation, and finally, defecation, or 
excretion of the residual, inert matter. 

The alimentary canal is a musculo-membranous tube, extend- 
ing from the lips to the anus. Its walls are composed of mus- 
cular tissue and lined throughout by mucous membrane. It 
consists of a continuous series of tubes and cavities, the chief of 
which are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intes- 
tines, where the food passes through various changes and is 
deprived of its nutritive properties, and the egestive or expulsive 
portions, by which the residue is expelled from the system. 

The portion of the food which is not absorbed is called effete 
material (dung) and is expelled through the anus. 

URINARY SYSTEM. 

The organs of this system secrete the urine from the blood and 
excrete or expel it from the body. These organs are chiefly the 
kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urine, which is a 
watery fluid, is secreted by the kidneys and carried off by their 
ducts, the ureters, to a special reservoir, the bladder, where it 
accumulates and from which it is finally expelled at intervals 
through the urethra. The kidneys are two in number, right 
and left, situated on either side of the spine, immediately below 
the lumbar vertebrae. 

The bladder is a musculo-membranous organ and serves as the 
reservoir for the urine and is situated within the pelvic cavity. 

The urethra is a long narrow tube extending from the bladder 
to the head of the penis. 

The normal amount of urine, which is expelled from the blad- 
der through the penis, secreted in twenty-four hours varies from 
3 to 6 quarts. The color in health is of a yellowish cast. 



26 

CIRCULATION. 

This involves the consideration of the heart, arteries, and veins. 

Blood. 

The fluid which enriches all living structures, being the medium 
by which nutritive material is conveyed to the solid tissues. It 
is an opaque, thickish, clammy fluid with a peculiar odor, sickly 
saline taste, and alkaline reaction. Its color varies in different 
parts of the same animal, that in the arteries being a bright red 
or scarlet, while that in the veins is of a dark purplish hue. 

Heart. 

The heart is a hollow organ of involuntary muscular structure, 
situated between the lungs, in the thoracic cavity; its average 
weight is about ^% pounds. 

The heart is divided into two parts, right and left, each part 
containing two cavities, one above the other, which communicate 
by valvular openings. The heart acts as a force pump for the 
blood, forcing the impure from the right side of the heart through 
the pulmonary artery into the lungs, where the blood gives off 
carbonic acid gas and takes up oxygen; the purified blood returns 
through the pulmonary vein to the opposite (left) side of the 
heart, and is then forced by it into the arteries, which carry it 
to all parts of the body, giving nourishment to the tissues and 
taking up waste material. This impure blood is returned to the 
right side of the heart by the veins, thus completing the course 
of the circulation. 

The smaller arteries terminate in a system of minute vessels — 
the capillaries — which are situated between the termination of 
the arteries and the commencement of the veins. Their average 
diameter is about 3 ^jV^ of an inch. 

Circulation of the extremities. 

The humeral artery. — This artery descends along the inner side 
of the humerus; just above the elbow joint it divides into ante- 
rior and posterior radial arteries. The anterior radial descends 
over the anterior surface of the elbow joint, passes, down in front 
of the radius and approaches the knee below the extensor j^edis 
muscle, where it divides into numerous branches, supplying 



27 

blood to the surrounding tissues. The posterior radial is a con- 
tinuation of the humeral artery, passing down the inner side of 
the foreleg with a vein and nerve of the same name, inclining 
backward and dividing at the lower end of the radius into large 
and small metacarimls. 

The large metacarpal artery is a continuation of the posterior 
radial. It runs down the back of the knee in company with the 
flexor tendons and the internal metacarpal vein and nerve; above 
the fetlock it passes between the tendons and susjDensory liga- 
ment, dividing into the external and internal digital arteries. 

The small metacarpal artery passes outward from the inner 
and back part of the knee, and running downward joins another 
artery supplying nourishment to the surrounding tissues. 

Circulation of the hind leg. — The femoral artery is the artery 
of the thigh. Just above the back of the stifle joint it becomes 
the popliteal artery, which divides into two main branches, the 
anterior and posterior tibial, the latter supplying the posterior 
part of the gaskin and hock with nourishment, while the former 
winds forward between the tibia and fibula to the fore part of 
the leg, gaining it midway between the stifle and the hock. At 
the hock it passes obliquely outward, crossing the joint, and 
becomes the great metatarsal artery at the upper and external 
part of the metatarsus; it then passes under the small splint bone 
and gains the back i)art of the cannon, and then, passing down 
the leg, it divides just below the bifurcation of the suspensory 
ligament into two branches, the external and internal digitals. 

The digital arteries, which are alike in the fore and hind limbs, 
originate at an acute angle just below the middle of the cannon 
bone in front of the flexor tendons, passing over the inner and 
outer side and accompanied by corresponding veins and nerves 
of the same names, the artery being central and the nerve poste- 
rior. Each runs down the side of the foot, inside the lateral carti- 
leges, to the superior border of the wings of the os pedis, thence 
they reach the middle and under surface of the bone at either 
side of the flexor pedis perforans tendon. They supply numer- 
ous twigs to the flexor and extensor tendons, fetlock pad and 
joint, and give off the following branches, which are usually re- 
garded as the arteries of the foot: They are five in number, jje/'- 
pendiGidar, transverse, artery of the frog, preplantar ungual, and 
plantar ungual. The arteries ramify through the foot, supplying 
it with nutrition. 



28 

The perpendicular artery arises at right angles below the mid- 
dle of the OS suffraginis, descends on the side of the digit, inclines 
forward and terminates above the coronary band by anastomos- 
ing (joining) with its fellow, their union forming the superficial 
coronary arch, which supplies the coronary band with blood. 

The transverse artery is given off under the lateral cartilage, 
passes forward between the front of bone {os cor once) and the 
extensor tendon and joins its fellow, forming the deep coronary 
arch, supplying the surrounding parts with blood. 

The artery of the frog arises behind the pastern joint at the 
superior part of the lateral cartilage, enters the sensitive frog 
and divides into anterior and posterior branches. It supplies 
the sensitive frog with blood. 

The preplantar ungual artery is given off just back of the 
wing of the os pedis, passes through the notch in the wing and 
along the preplantar groove in the wall of the bone, at the ante- 
rior extremity of which it terminates by several branches which 
enter the os pedis and anastomose with the circMlus arteriosus. 
Before entering the bone two branches are given off which sup- 
ply the bulbs of the frog and the lateral cartilage with blood. 

The plantar ungual artery is the terminal branch of the dig- 
ital, passes through t^ie plantar foramen on the tendinous surface 
of the OS pedis and enters the bone within which it joins its fel- 
low, forming the circidus arteriosus, from which spring ascend- 
ing and descending branches. The former are the anterior 
laminals, which leave the bone through numerous openings on 
its wall, supplying the sensitive laminae with blood; the latter 
(descending branches) are the inferior communicating arteries, 
which average 14 in number. They pass through the foraminae 
(openings) situated just above the edge of the os jjedis and unite 
outside to form the circumflex artery which runs around the 
toe, giving off ascending branches to the sensitive laminae and 
about 14 descending ones, the solar arteries, which supply the 
sensitive sole and unite posteriorly to form the inferior circum- 
flex artery. 

The veins of the foot are very numerous and arranged in an 
external and internal (interosseous) network. 

They are valveless, allowing the blood to flow in either direc- 
tion in sudden emergency. 



29 

The solar plexus is made up of a large immber of small veins, 
which unite to form the large circumflex vein which accompa- 
nies the artery of the same name, passing back to the wing of 
the OS j^eclis and thence to the coronary plexus. 

The laminal plexus arises on the sensitive laminae, the veins of 
which gradually increasing in size as they approach the coronet 
where they terminate in the coronary plexus. The coronary 
plexus surrounds the os coronce and upper part of the os pedis, 
extending backward below the lateral cartilages and is formed 
by the veins of the solar and laminal plexuses. The veins of the 
frog extend over the external surface of the sensitive frog, 
ascending the sides of the lateral cartilage and unite to form a 
large vein, which, with branches from the coronary plexus, runs 
up the side of the os coronce, all uniting near the upper part of 
the bone to form the digital vein. The internal or interosseous 
veins of the foot originate at the cir cuius arte^'iosus; they pass 
out of the bone through the plantar foraminae, thence up the 
inner side of the lateral cartilages and unite with branches of 
the coronary plexus. 

NERVES OF THE FOOT. 

At the fetlock each metacarpal and metatarsal nerve divides 
into three digital branches; anterior, middle, and posterior. 

The anterior branch descends in front of the digital vein and 
distributes its branches on the anterior surface of the foot. 

The middle branch frequently anastomoses with the others, 
and always with the anterior branch. It supplies the fetlock 
pad and sensitive sole. 

The xiosterior branch, by far the larger, and the true continua- 
tion of the metacarpal and metatarsal nerve, is continued behind 
the digital artery to the wing of the os pedis, entering the fissure 
and being distributed to the substance of the bone and the 
laminae. It gives off branches to the flexor tendons and a fila- 
ment which is carried forward and distributed to the sensitive 
frog; minute filaments accompany the plantar ungual artery into 
the pedal bone. 

ANATOMY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 

The lymphatic or absorbent system is connected with the vas- 
cular, and consists of a series of tubes which absorb and carry to 



30 

the blood certain fluids; a number of glandular bodies (glands) 
through which the tubes frequently pass; and the fluids them- 
selves, which are lymph and chyle. 

LYMPHATIC VESSELS. 

These are called lymphatic vessels because they convey a clear, 
limpid fluid; or absorbent vessels, because they absorb alimentary 
matter. The absorbents of the chyle are called " lacteals." 

The tubes which form the lymphatic system are distributed 
throughout the whole body and unite to form two large trunks, 
the thoracic duct, and the right lymphatic vein, both of which 
enter the venous system near the heart. The thoracic is the 
largest and longest vessel and receives all the others, except those 
of the right anterior extremity and right side of the head, neck, 
and thorax. 

Lymph is a colorless fluid. Chyle is a milky fluid found in the 
lacteals or lymphatic vessels of the intestines during digestion. 
Since both the lacteals and posterior lymphatic vessels lead to the 
great lymphatic trunk or thoracic duct, it follows that the lymph 
and chyle become mixed. 

Through the excessively thin walls of the capillaries the fluid 
part of the blood transudes (oozes) to nourish the tissues outside 
the cai^illaries; at the same time fluid passes from the tissues into 
the blood. The fluid, after it passes into the tissues, constitutes 
the lymph, and acts as a stream irrigating the tissue elements. 
Much of the surplus of this lymph passes into the lymph vessels, 
which, in their commencement, can hardly be treated as inde- 
pendent structures since their walls are so closely joined to the 
tissues through which they pass, being nothing more than spaces 
in the connective tissue until they reach the large lymph vessels, 
which empty into the lymph glands. These lymph glands are 
structures so placed that the Ij^nph flowing toward the larger 
trunks passes through them undergoing a slight change in struc- 
ture. The glands give lymjjh corpuscles to the lymph, which are 
identical with the white corpuscles of the blood. 

From the fact of this arrangement lymph glands are subject to 
inflammatory diseases in the vicinity of diseased structures, 
because infective material being conveyed in the lymph stream 
lodges in the glands and produces irritation. The lymphatic ves- 
sels contain great numbers of valves. 



31 

ANATOMY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

The nervons system is divided into two minor systems, the 
cerebro-sj)iiial, which is to a considerable extent influenced by 
the will of the animal, and the si/)H2Kit]iefic\ which is not directly 
influenced by the will. 

In the first the center is made ux) of two portions, the brain and 
the spinal cord. 

The brain is sitnated in the cranial cavity: the other, the spinal 
cord, is elongated and continuous with the brain and is situated 
in the canal of the vertebral column. 

The communicating portion of this system consists of the cere- 
bro-spinal nerves, which leave the brain and spinal cord in sym- 
metrical pairs, and are distributed to the voluntary muscles, to 
the organs of common sensation, and to those of special sense. 

The sympathetic system consists of a chain of ganglia (small 
brains) connected by a nerve cord. They extend from the head 
to the coccyx along either side of the spine; the nerves of this 
system are distribnted to the involuntary muscles, mucous mem- 
branes, internal organs, and blood vessels. 

A nerve consists of a bundle of tubular fibers held together by 
dense connective tissue. 

The nerve fibers represent and form a conducting apparatus. 

ANATOMY OF THE EYE. 

The eye is the organ of sight and is situated in the orbital 
fossa. It is spherical in shape and filled with fluid. The front 
portion, called the cornea, is clear as glass, admitting the light 
to the back part of the eye, where it strikes the retina, an expan- 
sion of the optic nerve which transmits impressions to the brain. 
The colored portion, or iris, acts as a curtain, regulating the 
amount of light admitted, the center of the iris being known as 
the pupil. The cnjstalline lens is a small transparent body sit- 
uated immediately behind the pupil; it is thick in the center and 
tapers toward the edges. Its function is to draw the rays of 
light to a focus and refract them on the retina. When the lens 
is diseased and no light can pass through it the animal is said to 
have a cataract. The eyelids are two movable curtains, superior 
and inferior, which protect the eye. 



32 

The membrajia nictitans, or accessory eyelid (haw) , is situated 
near the internal angle between the lids and the eyeball. This 
membrane serves as a finger for the removal of foreign bodies 
from the eye. 

ANATOMY OF THE MOUTH. 

The month is an irregularly oval cavity at the commencement 
of the alimentary canal, containing the organs of taste and the 
instruments of mastication. It is situated between the jaws, its 
long diameter following that of the head. It is pierced by two 
openings— the anterior, for the introduction of food, and the pos- 
terior, through which the latter passes into the pharynx. It is 
bounded in front by the lips and laterally by the cheeks; the 
roof is formed by the hard palate; its floor is occupied by the 
tongue, while the posterior boundary is the soft palate (velum 
pendulum palati) , the membranous partition separating it from 
the pharynx. The mucous membrane, continuous with the skin 
at the lips, covers the whole free surface of the mouth and its 
contents, except the teeth. The lips are the organs of touch as 
well as of prehension. The soft palate is a valvular curtain sus- 
pended between the mouth and the pliarynx, attached above to 
the palatine arch; the inferior border is free and rests on the 
floor of the pharynx. It is owing to the great size of this mem- 
brane that a horse is unable to breathe through his mouth. 

The tongue is a movable musculo-membranous organ, situated 
on the floor of the mouth between the branches of the lower 
jaw. It is the special organ of taste and at the same time assists 
in mastication. 

ANATOMY OF THE SKIN. 

The skin consists primarily of two parts, the superior, non- 
vascular (without blood vessels) layer — the cuticle or epidermis, 
and, second, the deep vascular (with blood vessels) layer — the 
corium, dermis, or true skin. 

The epidermis is the outer, scaly covering. The true skin or 
derma lies immediately below the epidermis, is much thicker, 
and contains the roots of the hair, sweat glands, which are 
simple tubes extending from the deeper layers of the skin to the 
surface of the body, pouring out perspiration which carries with 
it certain waste materials from the system. The evaporation of 
sweat cools the body and assists in regulating its temperature. 



33 

The sebaceous glands are branching tubes beginning in sacs and 
opening into the hair follicles. Their oily secretion gives gloss 
to the hair, prevents it becoming dry and brittle, and keeps the 
skin soft and supple. 

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT. 

In a broad sense we may regard the foot as consisting of three 
well-marked portions, — the base or skeleton, the highly sensitive 
or secreting portions, and a nonsensitive or protective portion. 
The latter two may be considered as modifications of the skin. 
The sensitive part corresponds to the dei-ina or true skin, while 
its covering, the hoof, corresponds to the epidermis. 

The study of the foot of the horse is of the greatest practical 
importance, owing to the many diseases and injuries to which it 
is liable. It resolves itself into the consideration of the hoof or 
horny case and the parts contained in it. 

The bones. 

The OS suffraginis, or large pastern bone, passes obliquely 
downward and forward and articulates with the cannon bone 
above and the os cor once, or small pastern bone, below. The 
articular surfaces of the bone are kept in apposition by strong 
bands of fibrous tissue, known as ligaments. 

The OS cor once, or small pastern bone, is inclined obliquely 
downward and forward and is partially covered by the hoof. 
It articulates below v/ith the coffin and navicular bones, and 
above with the os suffraginis. The sides of the os cor once are 
roughened for the attachment of the flexor x^eclis perforatus 
tendon. 

The OS navicular is, or shuttle bone, is an irregular bone situ- 
ated with its long axis transversely behind and below the os 
coronoe and behind the os pedis, with which it articulates, form- 
ing the so-called navicular joint. 

The OS pedis, or coffin bone, is an irregularly shaped bone 
situated within the hoof, and which, in a healthy state, cor- 
responds somewhat to it in shape, being semilunar in form with 
the convexity to the front. 

It is a very hard but porous bone, having many excavations 
and channels for Jhe passage of the arteries and veins. The wall 
or anterior surface is the semicircular part in front, which 



34 

presents numerous depressions and channels, the latter being for 
the passage of the blood vessels and nerves, and the former for 
the attachment of the soft structures. 

The highest portion in front is called the pyramidal process, to 
which is attached the tendon of the extensor jjedis muscle. The 
sole or inferior surface, which lies on the sensitive or vascular 
sole, is slightly excavated and half -moon (crescent) shaped. 
Immediately behind this is the tendinous surface, to which is 
attached the tendon of the flexor iwdis perfoi^ans -mviscle. The 
wings are irregular protuberances on the posterior part of the 
wall. The articular surface is divided into two small grooves 
separated by a slight ridge. The os pedis articulates above with 
the OS cor once and behind with the navicular bone. 

ANATOMY OF THE HOOF. 

The hoof of the horse corresponds to the finger nail of man. 
By maceration (soaking) it is divisible into three distinct parts — 
the wall, the sole, and the frog. 

The wall is that portion which is visible when the hoof rests 
on the ground. It is generally divided into the toe, quarters, 
heels, and bars. The toe forms the front of the hoof and is the 
thickest part of the wall, which gradually declines in height as 
it turns backward to form the quarters. These occupy the space 
between the toe and the heel. The wall decreases in thickness 
from in front backward, and more markedly so at the inner 
portion. At the posterior part of the foot the walls take on each 
side a sudden bend, forming an acute angle, and are continued 
inward to the center of the foot, where their two parts (the 
bars) unite with the sole. The exterior surface of the wall is 
convex, smooth, and covered by a thin layer, t\iQ) periople, which 
is continuous above with the coronary band. The internal sur- 
face of the wall presents throughout its whole extent parallel 
perpendicular plates of horn, the insensitive or horny laminae, 
numbering from 500 to 600, and are separated from each other 
by deep fissures, in which are inserted the sensitive lamince. The 
superior, or coronary, border of the wall presents an excavation 
or groove which slopes somewhat obliquely downward and 
inward, forming a circular gutter, in which is located the cor- 
onary band or ligament. In this are numerous orifices, into 
which are inserted the secreting villi of the coronary band. The 



35 

inferior border is that portion in contact with the ground and 
to which the shoe is fitted. In the unshod animal it is always in 
wear and protrudes beyond the rest, more especially around the 
outer quarter, and is known as the spread. The external layer 
of horn in the wall is distinctively known as the crust and is 
secreted by the coronary band, the rest being secreted by the 
sensitive lamince. Supposing the foot to rest on a perfectly level 
plane, the line joining the toe to the middle of the coronary bor- 
der should make with the ground an angle of about 50 degrees in 
the fore and perhaps a little more in the hind feet. 

The sole. 

The sole is the thick plate of horn which helps to form the in- 
ferior portion of the foot. It is situated between the inner bor- 
der of the inferior part of the wall and the bars. The inferior, 
or extarnal, surface is more or less concave; the supsrior surface 
(the internal) is usually convex, and is studded with a number 
of small orifices which run obliquely forward; into these are in- 
serted the vascular J^ap^7Zce of the sensitive sole. The external 
border or circumference of, the sole is convex, and is united 
throughout its whole extent to the internal surface of the inferior 
border of the wall to which it is very closely united. The inner 
border rei)resents a deep cut or notch in the form of the letter V, 
and is attached to the bars, except at the anterior part, where it 
is bounded by the frog. 

The frog. 

The frog is the somewhat pyramidal mass of spongy horn lodged 
between the bars and filling up the triangular space. The infe- 
rior, or external, surface is very irregular and presents a longi- 
tudinal triangular cavity, which varies in breadth and depth, 
being broadest and deepest in well-formed feet. This cavity is 
the cleft of the frog, bounding which are two sloping projections 
or branches, which unite at the apex of the frog anteriorly and 
diverge posteriorly where they join the heels. The superior or 
internal surface is also very irregular, but exactly the reverse of 
the inferior; where the one is hollow the other has a projection 
and vice versa. It presents over its whole surface numerous 
small orifices into which are inserted the vascular or secreting 
papillce of the sensitive frog. 



36 

The base of the posterior extremities constitutes the heels or 
bulbs of the frog. These are two round, flexible, and elastic 
eminences formed by the two extremities and separated by the 
cleft. These extend upward and are continued around the exter- 
nal part of the superior surface of the wall in the form of a band, 
which is the coronary frog band. It is from this, on its inferior 
border, that the thin covering of the hoof is continued. 

It is an acknowledged fact that white hoofs, like white skin, 
are more delicate, porous, and prone to disease than dark ones. 

The parts contained within the hoof are the os pedis, os navic- 
ular is, and the lower extremity of the os cor once, the ligaments 
by which they are connected together, insertions of the extensor 
pedis, and. flexor 2^erforans tendons, the blood vessels, and nerves. 

There are also certain other structures proper to the foot, viz, 
lateral cartilages, sensitive frog, coronary ligament, sensitive 
laniince, and sensitive sole. 

The lateral cartilages are of an irregular, quadrangular form, 
situated inside the quarter and attached to the wings of the cof- 
fin bone. Attached to the inner surface of the hoof is the sensi- 
tive portion of the hoof, which may, like the hoof itself, be divided 
into the regions of the wall, the sole, the frog, and the coronary 
band. The keratogenous membrane is a sensitive sheath which 
envelops the os ijedis. Its outer surface is endowed with the 
function of secreting horn tissue for the renewal of the various 
parts of the hoof. 

The sensitive frog or plantar cushion. 

The sensitive frog occupies the posterior and central parts of 
the foot, filling up the irregular space between the lateral carti- 
lages, flexor tendon, and osp>edis, bounded laterally by the lateral 
cartilag3S, above by the flexor tendon and below by the horny 
frog. It is continuous with the sensitive bars, sole, and the coro- 
nary ligament. The base looks backward and is divided into 
bulbous enlargements, which are united to the lateral cartilages. 
The external layers secrete the horny frog. 

Coronary substance or co7^onary bend. 

This is the vascular substance which occupies the coronary 
groove on the superior border of the wall. It consists of a dense, 
fibrotis mass or band, which is connected with the coffin bone and 



37 

extensor tendon through the medium of dense cellular tissue. It 
secretes the horny tissues of the wall. The coronary band pre- 
sents, along its upper border, a narrow lip or process — the peri- 
oplic ring — which secretes the horn of the periojile, the thin outer 
covering or varnish of the wall. 

The sensitive lamince. 

The sensitive lamince form the continuation of the coronary 
substance and are attached to the coffin bone by dense, fibrous 
membrane which contains a large number of blood vessels that 
pass through the small openings in the coffin bone. The highly 
organized plates are interjDosed and firmly attached to the horny 
lamince of the wall and are covered by numerous pap?"//^^, which 
secrete the horny laminoi. On their inferior extremity are a few 
papillae, which help to secrete the horny sole. 

• The sensitive sole. 

The sensitive sole, continuous with the sensitive laminae and 
frog, is firmly attached to the coffin bone. It secretes the horny 
sole. 

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT. 

The amount of moisture contained in the horn is considerable, 
the use of which is to keep the foot elastic and prevent it from 
becoming brittle. 

In the unmutilated foot the too rapid evaporation of moisture 
in the wall is prevented by the periople: from the sole and frog 
by the accumulated masses of partly dead layers of horn; con- 
sequently, those protecting layers should not be removed, as 
this removal would cause the horn to become dry, brittle, and 
inelastic. 

The wall is the weight-bearing portion of the hoof; the growth 
is three-eighths of an inch per month. 

The bars afford a solid bearing to the posterior part of the foot, 
to give, additional strength and to secure a more intimate union 
with the sole. They act as buttresses and assist in expanding 
the hoof on pressure. 

The function of the sole is to afford protection to the sensitive 
sensitive parts above. 



38 

The function of the frog is to break the jar by receiving, in 
conjunction with the posterior wall, the impact of the foot on 
coming to the ground, and also to prevent slipping, and to stimu- 
late the capillary circulation. 

The lateral cartilages form an elastic wall to the sensitive foot, 
and their movements, caused by lateral expansion and contrac- 
tion of the plantar cushion, assist the venoiis circulation. When 
weight comes on the foot, it is relieved by a yielding foot articu- 
lation on elastic walls, bars, and frog, and through this the 
plantar cushion. The elastic posterior wall is pressed outward 
by the compressed india-rubber-like frog and plantar cushion, 
and it slightly expands from the ground surface to the coronet. 

At the moment of expansion the bulbs of the heels of the foot 
at the coronary edges sink under the body weight and come 
nearer the ground, as a result of which the anterior coronary 
edge retracts. 

The pedal bone slightly descends through its connection with 
the sensitive laminae and presses the sole down with it, while the 
wall of the foot diminishes in height under the compression to 
which it is exposed. Under these conditions the blood pressure 
in the veins of the foot increases and the blood vessels are emp- 
tied. When the weight is removed from the foot the blood ves- 
sels fill, the frog and the posterior walls contract, the bulbs of 
the heel rise, and the foot becomes narrower from side to side; 
at the same time the anterior edge of the coronet goes forward, 
and the pedal bone and sole ascend. The object of this expan- 
sion is to assist the venous circulation and counteract concussion. 

Shoeing is a necessary evil, but by remembering the functions 
of the various parts of the foot the damage resulting may be 
limited to a comparatively small amount. 

The following rules may serve as a guide for the shoeing of 
healthy feet: 

1. The wall being the weight bearer it should be pared per- 
fectly level to avoid placing extra tension on any of the ligaments, 
thereby causing the foot to be placed out of its true position. 

2. Fitting the shoe accurately to the outline of the foot, not 
altering the latter to fit the shoe. Rasping away the exterior of 
the crust to fit the shoe not only renders the horn brittle but is 
so much loss of bearing surface. 



39 

3. The exterior of the wall shonM be left intact. The practice 
of rasping the wall for the sake of appearances destroys the horn 
and allows of so mush evaporation from the surface of the foot 
that the part becomes brittle. 

4. The sole should not be touched with the knife; it is there 
for the purpose of protection. 

5. The bars should not be cut away; they are a part of the 
wall and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on 
them. 

6. The frog should not be cut, but left to attain its full growth. 
No frog can perform its functions unless on a level with the 
ground surface of the shoe. 

7. The shoe should have a true and level bearing and rest well 
and firmly on the wall and bars, 

A plain light-weight shoe is the best — one plain on both ground 
and foot surface. 

High nailing is injurious; do not use any more nails than are 
absolutely necessary, as the nails destroy the horn. 



CHAPTER IV. 

VVOUXDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, AND CONTUSIONS. 

TREATMENT OF WOUNDS. 

It consists of the bandaging and dressing of vv'"ounds. A dress- 
ing is a mode of local, periodically repeated treatment, producing 
a continued action, following ordinarily the performance of 
operations, and consisting in the methodical application upon 
the surface of wounds of special apparatuses which complete the 
effect of the operation and cooperate in the recovery. 

Before applying a dressing the wound should be thoroughly 
cleansed and freed from blood, pus, the remains of previous 
dressing, and, in a word, of any foreign or other substances 
capable of becoming sources of irritation. This is best done 
with water, but its effect is frequently greatly improved by 
combining with it some of the antiseptics, such as carbolic acid, 
creolin, bichloride of mercury, etc. 

It may be applied by carefully passing a ball of oakum over 
the surface of the wound, or it may be used more freely in larger 



40 

ablutions (washings). Crusts or scabs, if any, may be removed 
with the scissors or scraped away with the knife, but the finger- 
nails must by no means be used for such a purpose, for the two- 
fold reason that it is both filthy and dangerous. Handle the 
wound only as is necessary; all needless handling irritates. If 
the wound is deep, irrigations or injections can be combined with 
the lotion in cleansing it. 

The essential condition of cleanliness applies not only to the 
wound but also to the materials used for dressings, and soiled 
cloths or bandages, and dirty oakum must be rigorously rejected; 
everything coming in contact with a wound must be absolutely 
clean, hands as well as instruments and dressings. 

In applying the various dressings unnecessary pressure should 
be avoided, especially on the soft tissues. 

In the treatment of all wounds cleanliness is of more importance 
then medication, but the two in combination, when thoroughly 
and intelligantly carried out, will leave no room for the propaga- 
tion and ravages of those germs that cause formation of pus, and 
retard the healing process. The first step in the treatment of a 
wound is to have all utensils thoroughly clean. The farrier, or 
whoever is to look after the injured animal, should have his 
hands thoroughly clean, and in a clean can or bucket provide a 
solution of creolin or other antiseptic 1 part, water 50 parts; and 
several clean pieces of cotton, gauze, or oakum. Sponges are 
cleaned with difficulty and should not be used. If the injury is one 
that can be sutured (sewed) a needle and silk should be immersed 
in a solution of creolin 1 part, water 50 parts; the hair around 
the wound should be either shaved or clipped with a pair of 
shears, the wound thoroughly cleansed by washing it with cotton 
saturated with the creolin solution; all dirt and hair must be 
removed, and all ragged edges, if any, cut away, and the edges 
of the wound placed in contact with each other if possible and 
held in place by the aid of sutures; the wound should then be 
wiped dry with another piece of cotton or gauze, and over the 
surface should be dusted some iodoform or acetanilid, and, if the 
location will allow it, it should be covered with a pad of gauze or 
absorbent cotton, and a cotton bandage wrapped around the 
parts to hold the pad in place. The wound should be dressed 
once or twice a day until the formation of pus, if any, ceases; 
then when the wound is dry, only the powder should be used. 



41 

If the wound is a large one, with the skin and tissues badly- 
torn and lacerated, and it will not admit of the use of sutures, 
the torn and ragged edges, espacially if the lower part of the 
wound should hang down, should be removed with the knife or 
scissors and the wound dressed as above directed. When the 
wound begins to granulate (fill with new tissue) care should be 
taken that the granulations are not allowed to grow oat higher 
than the skin; in case they do so we will then have the condition 
known as proud flesh. 

The treatment of proud flesh consists in the removal of the un- 
healthy tissue by the use of the knife or the application of the red- 
hot iron; or burnt alum or salicylic acid dusted upon the surface 
of the wound will destroy the unhealthy granules. 

If hemorrhage is profuse the first step to be taken is to arrest 
the flow of blood by ligating (tying) the blood vessels or vessel 
with a piece of silk, or if none is at hand, a clean piece of string 
will do; if unable to tie the blood vessels a thick pad made of cot- 
ton or several layers of gauze or clean cloth, folded so as to cover 
the wound and held firmly in place by one or more cotton ban- 
dages will check the flow of blood. Before applying the com- 
press and bandages, the edges of the wound should be brought in 
contact by the aid of sutures if possible. The compress should 
be left on until the hemorrhage ceases, and the wound treated as 
before mentioned. 

Punctured wounds should be explored with a probe to ascer- 
tain if any foreign bodies are in the channel; if so, they should be 
removed, and if necessary a dependent opening be made to allow 
perfect drainage, and the parts syringed out thoroughly vn.th a 
solution of creolin, 2 per cent; carbolic acid, 3 to 5 per cent; 
or, bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000, and the outside opening 
sprinkled with iodoform. This treatment should be applied twice 
daily. 

An excellent antiseptic solution for the treatment of wounds, 
especially during fly time, is made by dissolving eight ounces of 
gum camphor in three ounces of carbolic acid. Apply with a 
clean swab several times daily. 

PUNCTURED WOUNDS AROUND JOINTS. 

Open joint is ^ wound situated on a joint and extending through 
the capsular ligament and allowing the joint oil to escape. The 



42 

capsular ligament is a broad, thin band of tissue, surrounding the 
whole of the joint; on the inside of this ligament is a membrane 
that secretes the oil-lubricating fluid of the joint. 

Treat77ient.—'Rem.0Ye the hair and thoroughly clean the parts 
around the wound; unless a foreign body is known to be lodged 
in it do not probe or explore, as the introduction of any instru- 
ment, unless thoroughly clean, will be the means of setting up 
considerable inflammation. Wash thoroughly with a solution of 
bichloride of mercury 1 part, water 1,000 parts; then sprinkle 
with iodoform, and, if possible, bandage as before recommended; 
sutures may be used, provided movement of the joint and tearing 
can be prevented. When the wound is unlikely to heal quickly, 
or simple treatment has failed, a blister of cantharides 1 part, 
cosmoline 4 parts, may be applied, with a view of closing the 
opening, limiting motion, and relieving pain. Wounds of the 
lips, nostrils, and eyelids heal very rapidly; if of several days 
standing they should have their edges scraped and then be su- 
tured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the surface twice 
daily. 

CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS. 

Sprains affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The fibers 
of which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes 
torn in serious cases, causing inflammation and subsequent con- 
traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy (wasting away, 
sweeny). 

Muscular sprains are found in various parts of the trunk and 
limbs; thus, a horse may be strained in the neck, as a result of 
falling on the head; the muscles of the dorsal region may be 
sprained by the hind feet slipping backward. When a muscle is 
strained the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss 
of function. 

An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence, in some 
strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. 

SPRAINS OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT AND FLEXOR TENDONS. 

The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both 
in the front and hind legs, is often the seat of laceration or sprains 
resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The injury is 
easily recognized by the changed appearance of the parts, which 



43 

become more or less swollen, sometimes extending from the knee 
down to and even involving tlie fetlock itself. It is always char- 
acterized by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere 
tenderness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 
touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of the 
injury. 

CURB. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of the 
hock, uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the external splint 
bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is known as a 
"curb." 

The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints are 
subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated by 
lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. 

In dislocation of the patella (stifle bone) the ligaments holding 
it in position are severely stretched and in some cases sprained or 
ruptured. The capsular ligament when sprained very often 
becomes weakened, resulting in distension of the synovial sac. 
These enlargements receive different names, according to their 
location. 

Treatment. — Perfect rest is absolutely necessary and must not 
be overlooked in the treatment of all sprains; therefore the 
injured animal should be at once removed to a level stall where 
it can remain until recovery has taken place. In connection with 
rest, hot or cold applications should be applied to the injured 
parts. These applications should be in the form of fomentations 
(bathing) , or bandagas saturated with water. They must not be 
allowed to dry while in contact with the injured parts, as a flan- 
nel bandage applied wet shrinks in drying, and will not only 
retard the reparative process, but cause unnecessary pain. Cold 
water is often materially assisted in accomplishing the desired 
results by the addition of acetate of lead or sulphate of zinc, 
witch-hazel, or nitrate of potash. A convenient solution is made 
as follows: Acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, each fi^ ounces; 
water, 1 quart; or, 1 pint of witch-hazel, 1 ounce of acetate of 
lead, and water enough to make 1 quart. If pain is very severe 
the following may be used: Tincture opium, 4 ounces; acetate of 
lead, 2 ounces; water to make 1 quart. This application is of 
more benefit when applied warm. Such applications should be 
used several times daily. 



44 

If, after the inflammatioii is reduced, the parts remain large 
and swollen, benefit will result from the application of tincture 
of iodine, well rubbed in, twice a day. If this treatment fails to 
restore the parts to their normal condition in a reasonable length 
of time, a blister should be applied. It is made as follows:. Can- 
tharides (powdered) 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 5 parts; or, cantharides 
(powdered) 1 part, biniodide mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 6 
parts. 

Before applying either the blister or the iodine the hair should 
be clipped from the parts to which the medicine is to be applied. 
To obtain the best results from the blister it should be well 
rubbed in for at least fifteen minutes. The animal must be tied 
in such a manner that he can not reach the blistered part with 
his mouth: the blister should be left on for a period of twenty- 
four to forty-eight hours: it must then be removed by washing 
with warm water and soap. After the blister has been removed 
the animal can be untied. The parts should be kept clean and 
free from scabs. 

Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test 
his soundness the animal should not be moved more than is 
necessary. 

BRUISES — CONTUSIONS. 

In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruise we find is that 
condition known as saddle and cinch galls, and bruise of the 
withers, caused by undue pressure of the saddle. 

Certain horses suffer more than others, depending on the pres- 
ence of old sores, scars, or scabs, or on peculiarities in form inter- 
fering with the fitting of the saddle. Among these may be 
included abnormally high or low withers, flatness of the ribs, 
keel-shaped brea^st and short sternum (breastbone), and disten- 
sion of the abdomen, causing the cinch to slii3 backward or 
forward. 

Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atro- 
phied (wasted away), and are therefore more liable to contract 
saddle galls. The mechanical cause of saddle galls may be 
divided into three groups: First, unequal distribution of weight; 
second, faults in saddling; third, errors in riding. 

Treatment. — To prevent the condition it is advisable to leave 
the saddle on for one-half to one hour after dismounting, as where 



45 

an injury has taken place the blood vessels are compressed and 
almost empty. 

If pressure be now suddenly and completely removed, blood 
is vigorously forced into the paralyzed vessels, and may thus 
rupture their walls. On the other hand, if the saddle is allowed 
to remain some time in position, circulation is gradually restored 
without injury. 

As soon as the swelling is noticed, the application of cold in 
the form of pads kept saturated with cold water and massage in 
the form of gentle stroking with the fingers will aid the absorp- 
tion of the swelling. 

Injuries to the withers require different treatment — cold appli- 
cations without pressure and without massage. 

A solution made of the following is a very good application for 
bruises: Sugar of lead 1 ounce, laudanum 4 ounces, water to 
make 1 quart. To be applied several times daily. Or a poultice 
made of flaxseed meal, to which has been added an antiseptic, 
such as creolin, carbolic acid, etc. 

Bruises of the neck and shoulders of artillery horses may be 
treated in the same manner; if the skin is broken or chafed bathe 
with cold water to which creolin is added in the proportion of 1 
to 50, and then apply iodoform 3 parts, tannic acid 1 part, or 
acetanilid and boric acid in equal parts. 

The artillery horse is sometimes subject to the same bruises 
caused by the saddle as a cavalry horse, and should be treated in 
the same manner. 

The white lotion, composed of 1 ounce each of sugar of lead 
and sulphate of zinc, water 1 quart, is a most excellent remedy 
for abrasions. 

BRUISES OF THE SOLE AND HEEL. 

These are quite frequent, and should be treated by hot or cold 
applications, best applied by holding the foot in a tub or pail of 
water, or have the foot incased in a flaxseed-meal poultice. 

CAPPED ELBOW — SHOE BOIL. 

This, is a bruise at the point of the elbow, and is caused by the 
horse lying on his shoe; remove the cause by placing a large roll 
around the pastern at night, and the application of tincture of 
iodine twice daily, until the swelling is removed. 



46 

CAPPED HOCK. 

A swelling, more or less soft, found on the point of th€ hock, 
and usually caused by kicking in the stall, or by bruising the 
parts during transportation by rail or sea. Tincture of iodine is 
a very good remedy for this injury. 

Only in exti'eme cases is it advisable to use the knife in the treat- 
ment of shoe boils and capped hock. As soon as the parts are 
opened pus rapidly forms, and the inflammation (infection by 
germs) may extend to the inner structures, and we may have a 
condition that will not readily yield to treatment. 

Bruises caused by kicks or running against an obstacle should 
be treated by applications of water, and if painful an anodyne 
liniment applied. The following makes a good anodyne: Witch- 
hazel 2 parts, tincture opium 1 part, tincture aconite 34 part, 
water 2 parts. Apply locally. 

SITFAST. 

Sitfasts are dry, dead, circumscribed portions of the skin, and 
may involve the deeper tissue; they are caused by continuous 
pressure of the saddle, cinch, or collar; may be situated on the 
side of the body, back, side of withers, shoulder, or neck. 

Treatment. — With the knife remove all dead and bruised tis- 
sue, stimulate the sore at the sides by the use of lunar caustic, and 
treat as a common wound. When there is no more formation of 
pus, and the parts are perfectly dry, do not apply liquids, but use 
iodoform until well. 

FISTULOUS WITHERS. 

Fistulous vTithers is an abscess having a more or less chronic 
discharge of pus from one or more openings situated in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the withers; it may involve only the soft 
structures, or the bones may also be affected; it is caused by a 
bruise from an ill-fitting saddle. 

Treatment. — The knife must be freely used; cut away all dead 
and bruised tissue, and make a large opening down to the lower 
part of the abscess so as to allow of good drainage; unless this 
precaution is taken pus will burrow into the deeper structures, 
and may eventually find its way under the shoulder blades. Re- 
move all particles of diseased bone, if any, and treat as a common 
wound. 



■47 



POLL EVIL. 



Is similar to fistulous withers, but situated on the poll, and will 
yield to the same treatment. 



CHAPTER V. 

DISEASES OF THE RESPTRATORV SYSTEM ANI^ 
INFEUENZA. 

ACUTE NASAL CATARRH. 

Acute nasal catarrh (simple cold in the head) is usually pro- 
duced by cold caused by standing in a draft, and may be detected 
by the discharge from the nostrils. It is usually accompanied 
by a cough, loss of appstite, and elevation of temparature (fever) . 
The discharge is at first of the consistency of water, but may in 
severe cases become much thicker, and form dry crusts on the 
edges of the nostrils. 

Treatment. — The mild form does not require treatment; it ends 
rapidly in a cure. In severe cases, fumigation (steaming) with 
hot water, to which is added a small quantity (1 ounce to % P^il 
of hot water) of creolin or carbolic acid, constitutes an excellent 
local treatment. Give bran mashes, and administer twdce daily 
1 teaspoonful of saltpeter, or 1 tablespoonful of chloride of 
ammonia until the animal has recovered. If the cough is fre- 
quent and the horse has difficulty in swallowing, the following 
liniment should be ax)plied to the throat: Ammonia 1 part, oil 
of turpentine 1 part, olive oil 2 parts. Apply twice daily. 

CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH. 

Usually an unfavorable termination of simple catarrh; or it 
may be the result of injury and chronic inflammation of the 
nasal cavities, tumors, parasites, abscesses, etc., of the nasal cav- 
ities, diseases of the teeth, and chronic diseases of the respiratory 
(breathing) apparatus in general, and chronic constitutional 
diseases. 

Symptovis. — The discharge is quite thick and becomes glued to 
the sides of the nostrils; its color varies from a dirty to a yellow- 
ish gray; it frecjuently has a fetid (foul) odor; the quantity 



48 

varies; the discharge is usually from one nostril, but both may 
be affected; in very old cases small ulcers may occasionally be 
seen in the nostrils; they are superficial and defined by sharp 
edges that are not thickened, and heal without leaving a scar. 
The ulcer of glanders may be found in the nostril, but the edges 
are shaped like saw teeth, and when healed a jagged scar remains. 
Treatment. — It is essentially local and comprises the following 
means: Fumigation (steaming) with hot water, to which may 
be added 2 ounces of creolin or 2 ounces of carbolic acid to a half- 
bucketful of water, steaming to continue at least one-half hour 
twice daily, and the injection into the nostril or nostrils of the 
following: A 5 per cent solution of creolin or a one-half per cent 
solution nitrate of silver three times daily, or iodoform may be 
blown into the nose. In most cases, when the discharge is from 
one nostril only, an operation is necessary to effect a cure. As 
the symptoms of this disease are so similar to glanders, the ani- 
mal should be isolated. The utensils, such as buckets, forks, 
brooms, currycombs, blankets, etc., should not be used about 
other horses. 

PHARYNGITIS AND LARYNGITIS — SORE THROAT. 

This is an inflammation of the lining membrane immediately 
in the rear of the mouth and is caused by irritating bodies bruis- 
ing the tissues, cold, sudden changes in the temperature, and 
infection. 

Symptoms. — Diminution of the appetite, cough, stiffness of the 
head, soreness when pressure is applied to the throat, a consid- 
erable amount of mucous and saliva in the mouth, escaping in 
long, transparent threads. Drinks are ejected through the nose 
and are often of a greenish color and contain quantities of food. 
Swallowing of liquids is painful. Temperature may range from 
normal to 106' F., with difficulty in breathing. 

Treatment. — The sick animal should be separated from the 
well ones and be placed in a comfortable box stall, free from 
drafts, but well ventilated, and should be given green food or 
very fine hay, steamed oats, bran, or flour slops; fresh water 
should be left within reach. 

The lips and nostrils should be kept perfectly clean and the 
mouth washed frequently with fresh water, to which may be 
added a little vinegar or salt. Cold compresses should be used 



49 

if the parts are hot, tender, and painful. If an abscess is likely 
to form, poultices of linseed meal may be applied, and the abcess, 
when ready, should be opened, but never with a knife. Cut 
through the skin only and then insert a blunt instrument, or the 
finger, and allow the pus to escape. 

If the animal breathes with great difficulty, manifested by 
making a loud, wheezing sound, an opening should be made in his 
windpipe, the edges of the opening held apart by inserting a suture 
in both sides, and tied up over the neck, or a tube may be inserted 
in the opening. 

The patient should never be drenched. 

Fever may be combatted by cold-water injections into the rec- 
tum, 1 to 2 gallons at a time. 

STRANGLES, COMMONLY CALLED "DISTEMPER." 

Strangles of the horse is an acute, infectious disease. It usually 
attacks young horses. 

Symptoms. — The disease begins with a high fever, ranging from 
104' to 106'; a discharge from the -nose, at first watery, rapidly 
becoming thicker, and later assuming a whitish-gray or greenish- 
yellow color. The glands below the lower jaw become swollen, 
hot, and jDainful; loss of appetite, depression, great muscular 
weakness, and swelling of the hind legs follow. Sometimes a 
swelling may be found on some portion of the windpipe. 

Treatment. — Separate the sick animal from the well ones and 
place him in a well-ventilated stall, free from drafts; clean the 
nostrils frequently; clothe the body according to the season of 
the year; open the abscess as soon as pus is formed and wash it 
twice daily. 

Give easily digested food, green fodder, roots, or slops made of 
bran or steamed oats, and in his drinking water i^ ounce of salt- 
peter, but do not drench, as the throat in many cases is sore, and 
if the horse should cough while taking medicine in that way it 
might entar the lungs and cause pneumonia. 

PNEUMONIA (lung FEVER). 

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung structure, and runs 
a course of from seven to ten days. 

Causes. — Among the external causes of the disease we must par- 
ticularly mention excessive exertion and cold; also carelessness 
in giving a drench, particularly if the animal has a sore throat. 



50 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is an intense fever accompa- 
nied by a chill, which is marked by great fatigue and muscular 
weakness; temperature ranges from 103' to 107°, the appetite 
is diminished, at times almost wanting; the patient is constipated, 
breathing is rapid and difficult; the nostrils are much dilated, 
and expired air is warmer than usual. There is frequently a 
reddish or yellowish discharge (rusty discharge) from the nose. 
The animal remains standing constantly, with the forelegs 
spread, or it may lie down for a short time only; a cough may 
or may not be present. 

Treatment. — Great care should be given to the diet; give any 
food that the animal will eat, try and keep up the strength; 
steamed oats, carrots, or green grass if possible, gruel, etc. 
Place in a well- ventilated box stall free from drafts, and clothe 
body and legs according to the season of the year; warm blankets 
wrapped around the chest if the weather is not too hot will be of 
advantage. In warm weather, if flies are troublesome, a thin 
sheet made of gunny sacks should be placed upon the animal. 
If the fever is very high give acetanilid, 2 to 4 drams every six 
hours until the fever is reduced. Quinine sulphate 1 dram, gen- 
tian root 2 drams, make a good tonic. It should be repeated 
three times daily. 

Cold injections into the rectum will reduce the fever. 

In old, debilitated animals, alcohol in a dose of 4 to 5 ounces 
should be given in the drinking water. Do not push the acetan- 
ilid, as it has a tendency to weaken the heart. If the heart is 
weak 1-dram doses of fluid ext. digitalis should be given twice 
daily. 

INFLUENZA (PINK EYE). 

Influenza is a contagious disease. It affects first the respiratory 
tract, but also involves the nerve centers, circulatory system, the 
lining membranes of the intestines, and the eyes. 

Symptoms. — The first symptoms are loss of appetite, depres- 
sion and weakness; the temperature rises rapidly to 105° or 107° 
in severe cases; the animals hold their heads low and have a stupid 
look; they stagger when walking, and the visible mucous mem- 
branes are of a yellowish tinge. 

When the digestive organs are affected colics are observed 
quite frequently. In the beginning constipation is the rule, the 
dung is coated with a whitish-yellow or mucous layer; later 



51 

diarrhea occurs; the dung is doughy, soft, or liquid. The eye- 
lids are sometimes swollen shut and are hot and sensitive to the 
touch. The legs and sheath are sometimes swollen and the lower 
portion of the belly may be similarly affected. 

Treatment. — Isolate sick animals for their own comfort and the 
safety of healthy subjects, as influenza is usually a serious dis- 
ease. Diet, hygienic care, and a regulated ventilation of the 
stables are sufficient. The fever may be reduced by rectal injec- 
tions of cold water. 

Intestinal troubles may be relieved by the administration of 
bicarbonate of soda in dram doses three times daily: if pain is 
very severe, 2 drams of cannabis indica may be given. Bathe 
the eyes, if swollen, with warm water. Good nursing and laxa- 
tive food are essential, cold water being kept where the animal 
can help itself. 



CHAPTER VI. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARV, NERVOUS, 
AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 

Diseases of the Digestive System. 

SPASMODIC COLIC— gripes. 

Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestine. The 
usual seat of the trouble is the small intestine, and it is usually 
caused by internal or external cold. 

Symjytoms. — The suffering is very violent but of short duration; 
the spasms appear suddenly and disappear with the same rapidity. 
The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, lies down and 
rolls, and if the pain is very severe, sweats profusely. During 
the attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, and attempts to 
pass urine are frequently made. This latter symptom has misled 
many persons, they being under the impression that the disease 
was located in the " urinary organs." 

Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall and 
give the foUov^ing: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aromatic spirits 
ammonia 1 ounce, water to make 1 pint. Or, fluid extract bella- 
donna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, water to make 1 pint. 



52 

Either one of these prescriptions can be given at one dose and re- 
peated in three-quarters of an hour. 

Warm-water injections, per rectum, are often of advantage. 

Morphine is an excellent remedy. 

FLATULENT COLIC. 

Flatulent colic is generally due to the animal having eaten food 
that is especially fermentable. This form of colic is quite fre- 
quently observed in horses that have the habit of wind sucking. 

Symptoms. — The rapid swelling of the belly constitutes the 
characteristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is 
not so severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. With 
the increase of swelling the breathing becomes more difficult, 
anxiety and restlessness are shown, the walk is painful, and the 
animal staggers, lies down and rolls, but only for a short time. 

Treatment. — Place the horse in a large, roomy stall, and give 
the following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic spirits 
of ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, water 
to make 1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. Cold-water 
injections into the rectum are sometimes of advantage. If the 
abdomen is very much distended with gas, the trocar and the 
canula must be used. This is an instrument for puncturing the 
intestine, but should be used only by one having a knowledge of 
the operation. The instrument, as well as the seat of the opera- 
tion, should be thoroughly disinfected. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold in 
all its forms; sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring 
condition, the swallowing of very cold water, of frosted or 
frost-covered or moldy fodder, etc. It is sometimes a compli- 
cation of colics and is frequently seen as a result of impaction 
or twisting of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and 
eyes is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. Res- 
piration is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperature is ele- 
vated, 103° to 10o° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the horse 
walks about the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and tries 
to balance himself on his back. As a rule the bowels are con- 
stipated, but when this disease is due to irritating foods or medi- 
cines purgation and flatulency may be present. 



53 

The small, hard pulse; high temperature; aged and anxious 
appearance of the head; continuous pain, which is increased upon 
pressure; position of the horse when down, and coldness of the 
ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose a case of enteritis 
(inflammation of the bowels) . When mortification (death) of the 
bowels sets in, all pain ceases and the animal will stand quietly, 
sometimes for several hours. Toward the last he sighs, breathes 
hard, staggers and pitches about, and dies in a state of delirium. 

It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves 
fatal. Death takes place in from six hours to several days. 

Treatment. — To control the pain give large doses of powdered 
opium, laudanum, or cannabis indica. 

The following prescription is recommended: Opium, powdered, 
2 drams; calomel, 3^' dram. Make into a ball; give at once, 
and repeat in one or two hours if necessary. Blankets wrung 
out in hot water and applied to the abdomen are sometimes of 
benefit, but to obtain good results they must be kept hot for sev- 
eral hours. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION. 

Chronic indigestion is a chronic cartarrh of the stomach and 
bowels, the cause of which is irregularity in feeding and water- 
ing; feeding when the animal is in an exhausted condition; im- 
perfect mastication and incomplete salivation of food due to 
irregularities of the grinding surfaces of the molar teeth, and 
food of a poor quality, deficient in nutriment. 

The presence of worms is a frequent cause of this d:s3ase. 

Symptoms. — Appetite diminished or capricious and depraved, 
frequent gapings, constipation; periodic colics are frequently ob- 
served, the coat is rough and staring, and the skin is tightly adher- 
ent to the body, being the condition known as "hidebound." 
The animal has an unthrifty appearance generally. 

Treatment. — Give small quantities of good, nutritious, and 
well-salted food three times daily. 

The water should be pure and given regularly. 

Regular exercise and good grooming vdll hasten recovery, by 
stimulating the skin as well as other parts of the body. 

If the appetite is diminished give such tonics as gentian, iron, 
nux vomica, and nitrate of potash. Gentian 2 ounces, iron sul- 
phate 1 ounce, nux vomica \% ounces, nitrate potash 1% ounces. 
Mix. Make twelve powders. Give one powder twice a day. 



54 

Bicarbonate of soda is a very useful medicine to counteract the 
acidity (sourness) of the stomach. Dose, one dram twice a day, 
and may be continued for several days. 

If intestinal worms are the exciting cause, they must be re- 
moved and until this has been accomplished the animal will retain 
its unthrifty condition although it may brighten up temporarily. 

The following prescription is recommended: Spirits turpentine 
2 ounces, oil linseed 4 ounces. Give before feeding and repeat 
once a day for four days; then follow up with 1 pint of linseed oil. 

DIARRHEA. 

This term is applied to all cases of simple purging in which the 
feces (dung) are loose, liquid, and frequently discharged. 

Diarrhea may be a spontaneous effort to discharge from the 
intestines something which is obnoxious to them or the system 
generally. It is caused by various agencies, such as indigestible 
food, sudden change of diet— particularly from a dry to a moist 
one — medicinal substances, worms, derangement of the liver, or 
large drafts of water when the animal is heated. Some ani- 
mals are particularly predisposed to diarrhea from trivial causes. 
Narrow-loined, flat-sided, and loosely-coupled horses— that is to 
say, horses in which the distance between the point of the hip 
and last rib is long — and those which are of a nervous tempera- 
ment are apt to purge without apparent cause. These are called 
washy horses. They are hard to keep in condition and require 
the best of food. 

Symptoms. — Purging, the fecal matter being semifluid, of a 
dirty-brown color, without offensive odor, or clay-colored and 
fetid. If the condition continues long the animal loses flesh and 
the appetite is wanting. 

Treatment. — When the purging arises from the presence of 
some offending matter in the intestinal canal (sand, worms, un- 
digested food, bad water, etc.) its expulsion must be aided by a 
moderate dose of linseed oil {1% pints). 

If the purging arises from no apparent cause, or if the bowels 
do not regain their normal condition after the action of the oil 
has subsided, it will be necessary to give astringents, such as 
tannic acid, 1 to 2 drams, or the following prescription may be 
used: Gum camphor 1 ounce, opium, powdered, 1 ounce. Mix. 
Make eight powders and give one powder every three or four 



55 

hours, according to the severity of the case. Great care must be 
exercised, as evil results may follow if the bowels are checked 
too soon. 

Diseases of the Urinary System. 

inflammation of the kidneys — acute nephritis. 

Causes.— It is at times produced by the action of cold; it also 
happens frequently in the course of infectious diseases. It is 
then the result of renal (kidney) elimination of irritating prod- 
ucts (waste materials, etc.) ; irritating medicines, such as turpen- 
tine, absorption of cantharides from a large blistered surface; 
molds, rust (in feed), etc. 

Symptoms. — The most important and often the only manifes- 
tations of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for 
instance,) are furnished by the urine. Its quantity is diminished; 
it is thickened; of abnormal color; occasionally it is the color of 
blood. Micturation (pissing) is painful; the urine often runs off 
drop by drop only, notwithstanding the violent efforts made by 
the patient. In serious cases the urinary secretion may be com- 
pletely suppressed. 

The lumbar region is very sensitive to the pressure of the 
hand. At the beginning of the disease we often find renal (kid- 
ney) colics. The back is arched, the gait stiff and staggering, 
rising is painful; the animal remains almost constantly stand- 
ing. The appetite may be lost. The temperature is elevated; in 
some cases it may range very high. 

Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible; give absolute rest, 
and avoid all irritating food or medicines. Try to induce sweat- 
ing by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the whole body; 
also by warm blankets, wet, tepid compresses applied upon the 
trunk. Give the following physic; it has a most favorable 
action, because it will draw a large quantity of water from the 
organism: Aloes 6 drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 dram. Sig: 
Make into a ball and give at one dose. 

If there is a total suppression of urine, 3^ ounce of fluid extract 
digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over the kidneys, 
will have a beneficial effect by stimulating the kidneys without 
causing irritation. This application should not be used more than 
once. 



56 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS — SIMPLE DIABETES ( PISSING). 

A disease characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, and 
great languor and emaciation. 

In the majority of cases it is caused by poor (tainted) food. In 
some cases it seems to be due to a constitutional cause. 

Symptoms. — Excessive urination, from 6 to 12 gallons every 
twenty-four hours; great thirst, the animal sometimes drinking 
from 20 to 25 gallons of water in twenty-four hours; depraved 
appetite; urine of a very pale color, sometimes as clear as water; 
the skin is harsh and the coat is unhealthy looking. 

Treatment. — Give good, clean, and nutritious food. Administer 
iodine in 2-dram doses twice a day and diminish quantity as the 
thirst is lessened and the urine is diminished. 

RETENTION OF THE URINE. 

An inability, total or partial, to expel by natural effort the 
urine contained in the bladder. It is caused by spasm of the neck 
of the bladder, and is often a complication of colic. 

Symptoms. — Frequent and ineffectual attempts to urinate; if 
standing the animal will stretch itself out, strain violently, and 
groan with i^ain, discharging but a few drops of urine, or none at 
all; examination per rectum shows the bladder greatly distended, 
the distension of the bladder being the diagnostic symptom. 

Treatment. — Pass the catheter and draw off the urine. If re- 
tention of urine is due to an accumulation of dirt in the penis it 
must be removed by washing. A horse will normally pass from 
4 to 6 quarts of urine every twenty-four hours. 

Diseases of the Nervous System. 
congestion of the brain-^egrims. 

This disease is caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels 
of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to the veins. 

Causes. — Disease of the heart, excessive exertion, the influence 
of extreme heat, sudden and great excitement, artificial stimu- 
lants, by any mechanical obstruction which prevents the return 
of blood through the veins to the heart, such as a small ill-fitting 
collar, which often impedes the blood current, tumors or abscesses 
pressing on the vein in its course, extreme fat — such animals 



57 

and those with short, thick necks being especially liable to 
attacks of congestion of the brain, compression of the distended 
vascular structures (arterial capillaries) by an abnormal gaseous 
tension in the stomach and intestine, over-feeding after a pro- 
longed abstinence or when the exercise is insufficient, and foods 
difficult of digestion. 

Symptoms. — Congestion of the brain is usually sudden in its 
manifestation and of short duration. 

The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or 
stand quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge 
and fall; the eyes are staring, breathing hurried and snoring, 
nostrils widely dilated; this may be followed by coma (insensi- 
bility) , violent convulsive movement, and death. 

Generally, however, the animal gains relief in a short time, 
but he may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is 
due to organic change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels 
in the brain the symptoms may be of slow development, mani- 
fested by drowsiness, diminished or impaired vision, difficulty 
in voluntary movements, diminished sensibility of the skin, loss 
of consciousness, delirium, and death. 

Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to 
the circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight 
a collar, the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. 
If due to tumors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes neces- 
sary to afford relief. To relieve the animal, if he becomes par- 
tially or totally unconscious, cold water should be dashed on the 
head and if this does not afford relief, recourse must be had to 
bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symptoms of paralysis 
remain after two or three days, an active cathartic (1 ounce 
aloes) and iodide of potassium should be given in 1-dram doses 
three times daily. Place the animal in a cool, dark, well- 
ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and give cooling diet. 

SUNSTROKE. 

Sunstroke is a cerebral trouble which is produced by solar 
(sun) rays falling directly upon the cranium. 

HEATSTROKE. 

Heatstroke is caused by the overheating of the whole body and 
by excessive exertion. 



58 

Synqjtoms. — Sunstroke is manifested suddenly; the animal 
stops, drops his head, begins to stagger, fhe breathing is marked 
by great snoring, the pulse is very slow and irregular, cold 
sweats break out in patches on the surface of the body, and the 
animal often dies without recovering consciousness. 

In heat exhaustion the animal usually requires urging for some 
time previous to the appearance of any other symptom. Gen- 
erally perspiration is checked, he becomes weak in his gait, the 
breathing grows hurried or panting, the eyes watery and blood- 
shot, nostrils dilated and highly reddened to a dark purple color, 
the pulse is rapid and weak, the heart bounding, followed by 
unconsciousness and death. If recovery takes place convalesence 
extends over a long period of time, during which incoordination 
of movement may be present. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists in the application of cold 
in the form of ice, or cold water on the head, cold injections per 
rectum, and the administration of stimulants, such as 1 ounce 
carbonate of ammonia with 2 ounces alcohol; repeat in one hour 
if necessary. Place the animal in a cool and shady place. 

Diseases of the Lymphatic System. 

Acute inflammation of the lymph gland usually occurs in con- 
nection with some inflammatory process in the region from which 
the lymph is gathered. 

The lymph glands between the branches of the lower jaw 
almost invariably become affected in strangles, nasal catarrh 
(acute or chronic), diseased or ulcerated teeth. Similar results 
obtain in other parts of the body. 

Symptoms. — The glands swell and become painful to the touch, 
the connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, sup- 
puration usually takes place, and one or more abcesses form. If 
the inflammation is of a milder type, the swelling may disappear 
and the gland will resume its normal condition without suppura- 
tion. The temperature will be elevated. Sometimes the glands 
will remain hard and considerably swollen for some length of 
time. In man these swollen glands are known as kernels. 

In tropical countries lymph glands are very liable to become 
inflamed and diseased; suppuration rapidly follows, the gland 
will open, discharge its accumulation of pus, and the open sore 
so formed will be healed with the greatest difficulty. 



59 

Treatment. — Fomentations with hot water will relieve the sore- 
ness, unless an abcess is forming. If such is known to be the 
case a poultice of bran or flaxseed meal should be applied, and as 
80on as fluctuation can be felt a free opening must be made and 
the abcess washed with a solution of bichloride mercury 1-1000, 
or creolin 1-50. If the gland does not suppurabe, the enlargement 
may be reduced by tincture of iodine applied twice daily. 

LYMPHANGITIS. 

Inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting the 
hind leg, very seldom the fore leg. This disease is very sudden 
in its attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high tem- 
perature and great general disturbance. 

Causes. — It usually attacks well-fed animals, especially after 
one or two days' rest, and in such cases may be due to an excess 
of nutritious elements in the blood. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom noticed will be lameness in one 
leg and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling grad- 
ally surrounds the whole limb, continuing downward until it 
reaches the foot. The limb is excessively tender to the touch 
and is held up. The breathing is increased, pulse hard and quick 
(80 to 100) , and the temperature may reach 106°. The bowels 
early become constipated and the urine scanty and high colored. 
Occasionally the lymphatic glands (in the groin) undergo sup- 
puration, blood poisoning may supervene and prove fatal. 

Treatment. — Fomentations with warm water, to be continued 
for one hour and repeated several times daily. Give a physic 
(purgative) composed of 6 to 8 drams of aloes, 1 dram ginger, 
and water to make a ball. G-ive at once. After the physic has 
operated give ^-ounce doses of nitrate of potash twice daily. 
After the pain abates, moderate exercise and massage (hand 
nibbing) will be of benefit. If the glands suppurate, open, and 
wash them out with an antiseptic. The irrigations must be con- 
tinued until the gland is well. 



60 
CHAPTER VII. 

MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 

HEMORRHAGICA — PURPURA — PETECHIAL FEVER. 

This is an acute, infectious disease, the pathology of which is 
as yet unknown. It is characterized by numerous petechioe 
(reddish spots) on the skin and mucous membranes, to which 
phenomena are soon added swelling of the skin and mucous 
membranes and infiltration (an exudation) of the subcutaneous 
(under the skin) connective tissue. Sometimes it is primary; in 
other instances it follows other infectious diseases, strangles, 
pharyngitis, contagious pneumonia, influenza, etc. 

Symptoms. — Petechial fever is generally manifested by the 
appearance upon the mucous membranes of numerous dark red 
petechice (reddish spots) ; sometimes they are insignificant as a 
flea bite, then again they may attain the size of a pea or an acorn; 
they often become joined and form spots or bands of variable 
length. In serious cases the nasal mucous membrane becomes 
affected by gangrene (death of the affected spot) or covered over 
with ulcerations. The discharge is bloody and of bad aspect, 
breathing is very laborious, and the expired air has a fetid odor. 
The general condition sometimes becomes very rapidly aggra- 
vated; then, in the majority of cases, the disease ends in death. 

Corresponding with the appearance of the reddish spots, or a 
few days later, the skin becomes swollen; this symptom, which 
is the most prominent, is often the first symptom noticed. The 
swellings on the skin may be circumscribed, and will range in 
size from a ten-cent piece to a silver dollar; they are usually 
upon dependent regions, such as the head, extremities, abdomen, 
sheath, and chest. These swellings are not hot and only slightly 
sensitive; they gradually extend until they grow together and we 
have in a few hours the swelling up of the legs, legs and belly, 
or the head, to an enormous size; they have always the charac- 
teristic constricted border, which looks as if it had been tied with 
a cord. They end abruptly and are sometimes as much as 1 inch 
in thickness. 

The swelling in the legs will cause stiffness. The head may be 
swollen to an enormous size, resembling that of a hippopotamus 
rather than that of a horse; the caliber of the nostril may be so 



61 

lessened as to cause the horse to breathe with difficulty. The 
pulse, if altered at all, is a little weaker than usual, the aj^petite 
remains normal as a rule, although at times the animal will have 
difficulty in mastication. The temperature at first is normal, but 
in a few days it may have reached 102°, 103°, or 104°. 

Over the surface of the skin covering the swollen parts we 
find a slight serous sweating, which loosens the epidermis and 
dries, giving it the appearance of an eruption of some cutaneous 
(skin) disease. If this is excessive we may see irritated spots, 
followed by suppuration. This suppuration may become exces- 
sive from the great distension and loss of vitality of the skin. 

Colics may sometimes occur during the course of this disease. 

The dung is ordinarily coated. 

Later the pulse may beat 60 to 80 times per minute. 

High temperatures indicate complications. 

The mortality is about 50 per cent. 

Treatmeni . — Place the patient in a clean, well-ventilated, roomy 
box stall, the halter and surcingle must be removed; give sloppy 
food, clean hay, and green fodder if possible, and plenty of fresh 
pure water to drink. "" 

When the legs and parts of the body are covered by the dried 
serum the surface must be softened by the application of cosmo- 
line, to which may be added a small amount of creolin (1 to 50) 
or of carbolic acid (1 to 25). 

If sloughing has taken place, the sores must receive surgical 
attention; dead tissue must be removed and antiseptics applied, 
such as creolin, or bichloride of mercury, or carbolic-acid solu- 
tions. 

If the animal has great difficulty in breathing, we must resort 
to the use of the tracheotomy tube. 

Give tonics to increase the appetite and try to sustain the 
strength of the animal. Spirits of turpentine, 3 to 4 ounces, given 
daily, v^ll have a beneficial effect by stimulating the heart and 
kidneys; sponge the head, where swollen, with either ice-cold or 
very warm water; repeat this several times daily. 

AZOTURIA— HEMOGLOBINEMIA. 

Azoturia is not a disease of the kidneys. 

The principal cause of azoturia in the horse is the action of 
cold. An abnoriaal sensitiveness to the action of cold is acquired 



62 

by a rest of several days in a hot, badly ventilated, and damp 
stable, and the animals are especially predisposed to the disease 
if, during the time of inactivity, they have been given full rations. 
The high temperature of the stables acts by rendering the organ- 
ism less resistant to cold. 

Symptoms. — They consist of troubles of locomotion (move- 
ment) , which appear within a quarter to half an hour, generally 
during exercise. 

The disease commences very suddenly. It begins in an unusual 
degree of restlessness, with profuse perspiration, which symp- 
toms are speedily succeeded by a desire to lie down, by great 
sluggishness, loss of motor power in the hind limbs, violent 
spasms of the large muscles of the loins and thighs and hind 
quarters or the shoulders. The pulse usually becomes rapid. 

If they are down they make efforts to stand up, but from the 
total loss of all motor power in the hind limbs they are unable to 
do so. 

The affected muscles are swollen and very hard. 

The temperature rarely increases, even in the grave form. 

The appetite is seldom diminished, and, as a rule, they wiU 
drink large quantities of water. 

The urine is coffee colored and generally retained in the blad- 
der. The affected muscles may atrophy, especially those located 
above the stifle. 

Treatment. — When the disease has set in we must by all means 
give the animals rest. Keep them on their feet if possible. If 
there is danger of the horse lying down, and if able to partially 
support his weight on his hind legs, the suspending slings must 
be brought into use. 

Encourage the horse to drink as much water as possible, as 
this will assist the kidneys in carrying the poisonous material out 
of the blood. A ball of aloes should be administered, and only 
good hay and laxative food given. We must avoid food that 
heats, especially oats and corn. 

In the first stages, if the pain is very severe, give 2 drams of 
cannabis indica (fluid extract). If the animal is down and can 
not get up, he must be supplied with lots of bedding and fre- 
quently turned from side to side. If he has retention of urine the 
bladder must be emptied several times daily; this can be accom- 
plished by passing the hand into the rectum and applying 



63 

moderate pressure upon the bladder or by the introduction of the 
catheter. 

Preventive treatment. — When the horse is left resting for 
twenty-four or forty-eight hours or longer, the food ration has to 
be diminished and the animal must be given a little exercise 
in the open air every day, thus keeping the animal accustomed 
to the outside temperature. The ventilation of the stable should 
be arranged in such a way as to avoid drafts, and it must be seen 
to that the temperature remains moderate. 

GLANDERS AND FARCY. 

Glanders is one of the equine diseases which has been longest 
known. 

Glanders and farcy are one and the same disease. 

Glanders is the name given to this disease when it affects the 
Schneiderian membrane and internal organs. 

Farcy, so called, is when the disease is located in the lymphatic 
glands situated on the external parts of the body. 

Glanders is a contagious constitutional disease of the horse, 
ass, and mule, rarely communicated to other animals. This 
disease is due to the " bacillus mallei." 

It is divided into acute and chronic glanders. In acute glanders 
the bacilli enter the blood and the disease always becomes gen- 
eralized. 

Chronic glanders. 

The beginning of chronic glanders is often hidden from view 
and passes unobserved. 

The first symptom is generally a discharge from one or both 
nostrils of a yellowish green matter of bad aspect; quite fre- 
quently it is tinged with blood. 

Upon the Schneiderian membrane we generally observe pimples 
and ulcers. The lesions, however, may appear a long time after 
the beginning of the disease. The pimples are of short duration: 
they are soon transformed into ulcers more or less deep, with 
sawtooth-shaped, thickened edges; these may heal, but will 
always leave a scar. 

The enlargement of the Ijraipathic glands situated in the space 
between the lower jaw is another important symptom. In the 
beginning the gland is a little sensitive, slightly doughy, and 
adherent to the base of the tongue or to the lower maxillsB; in 



64 

some subjects it is adherent to the skin. In exceptional cases 
the enlargement of the gland is wanting. 

The general health of the animal suffers as the affection pro- 
gresses; emaciation appears; the hair becomes dnll and bristly. 

We frequently observe the symptoms of asthma and the patient 
becomes rapidly fatigued. 

Cough is frequently present. 

Farcy. 

Farcy is more rare in the chronic than in the acute form of the 
disease; its favorite regions are the inner side of the extremities, 
shoulders, neck, chest, and abdomen. 

The pimples and tumors vary from the size of a pea to that of 
a walnut, or larger; they suppurate and discharge a yellow, sticky 
liquid of bad aspect. They rarely heal, and if they do a jagged 
scar remains. 

Acute glanders. 

Sympto7ns. — Acute glanders is rare in the horse (10 per cent). 
It is, on the contrary, the ordinary form in the ass and mule. 
Sometimes it appears from the beginning, in other instances 
it follows the chronic form, where the vitality of the animal is 
lessened by other acute affections. 

It runs a rapid course, producing an ulcerous destruction of 
the respiratory mucous membrane, and also involves the skin, 
lungs, and other organs. 

The disease begins with a chill, followed by intense fever, which 
reaches 107° F. We observe a sticky, yellowish, irritating, bloody 
nasal discharge. The nasal mucous membrane is overrun with 
pimples and ulcers, which rapidly join one another; they may 
perforate the septum nasi. The respiration is rattling, wheezing, 
and moaning (laryngeal contraction); to these symptoms are 
often added those of farcy. We may find diarrhea. The patient 
is extremely weak and emaciation progresses rapidly. 

In general, acute glanders has a rapid course; its usual termi- 
nation is in death. This ordinarily takes place within from three 
to fourteen days. 

In the horse there is no disease of which an exact diagnosis is 
so important as that of glanders. Other horses and mules are 
not alone liable to contract the disease from affected animals; it 
can be communicated to man as well. 



65 

In order to correctly diagnose obscure cases (those with no out- 
ward symptoms) we must resort to the use of mallein. This is a 
liquid, the injection of which will cause a reaction (rise in tem- 
perature) in glandered horses apparently enjoying the best of 
health. 

Treatment. — This disease is not only contagious to horses, mules, 
and men, but is incurable in all alike: therefore the first step to 
be taken when a suspicious case presents itself is to isolate the 
animal, and as soon as you are satisfied that glanders exists the 
animal should be killed at once and the carcass burned. Every- 
thing in the way of partitions, mangers, feed boxes, buckets, and 
all stable utensils must be burned, and the stalls and surround- 
ings thoroughly disinfected. Chloride of lime 8 ounces, water 
1 gallon, make a good and efficient disinfectant. With this solu- 
tion all parts of the stable in which the affected animal stood 
must be thoroughly washed. 

SURRA. 

(Taken from the Emergency Report on Surra, issued by the U. S. Bureau of Animal 
Industry, Agricultural Department, liJO'2.) 

This is a disease of the Tropics, and is caused by a very small 
parasite which lives in the blood, the evidence now accessible 
indicating that this parasite is transmitted by means of fly bites. 
It is chiefly a wet- weather disease, and is reported as very fatal 
to horses and mules. 

Symptoms. — The sick animal at first shows a temperature rang- 
ing from 103' to 107° F.; palse fall; breathing increased and 
abdominal; appetite variable from poor to good, but never en- 
tirely lost: the membranes slightly congested; swellings of the 
belly, sheath, and legs soon appear. In some cases they may not 
be present, emaciation taking place instead. At this point in 
progress of the disease the temperature is variable ajid of inter- 
mittent character. Some of the cases last for a long time, being 
in the hospital for two or three months before ending in recovery 
or death. As the disease progresses toward a fatal termination 
the animal grows very weak, particularly in the hind legs, sways 
from side to side when walking, and may go down and be unable 
to get uf. 

5829 5 



6G 

The feces are of a normal character, no marked constipation 
or diarrhea being present. The urine seems to be increased in 
quantity. 

Urticarial (pimply) eruption is a prominent symptom. 

Treatment. — No satisfactory treatment has been found, but the 
administration of arsenic has been followed by good results. 

Prevention is difficult; it should consist in protecting horses 
and mules from flies. 

TETANUS— LOCKJAW. 

Tetanus is an infectious disease, the specific cause of which is 
a bacillus (rod-shaped germ) which is very common and appears 
in the shape of a fine, straight little stick provided with a small 
head. 

The germ is found in the superficial layer of the earth in gar- 
dens, around buildings, stables, etc. 

This disease, when present, is always caused by a wound, 
more especially one produced by a nail puncture. 

The germ will not develop in the presence of oxygen, conse- 
quently all punctured wounds of the foot should be freely opened 
to admit of the introduction of air, as well as to allow of 
thorough cleansing with an antiseptic. A horse with a wound 
so treated is not very liable to develop tetanus. 

In warm countries, especially in tropical climates, cases of 
tetanus are much more frequent than in cold regions. 

Syniptoms. — Tetanic spasms (a spasmodic and continuous con- 
traction of the muscles) appear, as a rule, in the muscles of the 
neck and head: from these it extends to the shoulders, trunk, 
and extremities; or the stiffness may start in the region of the 
injured organ or member. 

Contraction of the masseter muscles; the inferior maxillary is 
no longer able to execute the slightest movement, then the pre- 
hension and mastication of food become difficult^ or quite impos- 
sible. This inability to open the jaws has caused this disease to 
be given the name of lockjaw. 

Contraction of the great posterior muscle of the eye causes a 
retraction of this organ within the orbit (orbital fossa), and a 
protrusion of the membrana nictitans (haw) upon the eyeball. 

The animal is very stiff, holds his head in an extended position 
as if suffering from a sore throat: the tail is elevated and the 



67 

ears drawn closer together; the nostrils are much dilated: the 
legs stand apart; the eyes indicate excitement and anxiety, the 
miicons membranes are injected (reddened): some muscnlar 
groups, principally the masseters and the muscles of the back of 
the neck, are hard and distinctly outlined, as if carved: the mus- 
cles of the jaws, neck and shoulders, back, lumbar region, croup 
and tail are as hard as wood. 

The tail and ears are elastic; when they are moved they imme- 
diately return to their former position. 

There is profuse sweating when the animal is disturbed or when 
in a spasm: respiration is accelerated and laborious. When ap- 
proaching the patient in order to examine it the excitement in- 
creases instantly: the lower jaw is pressed hard against the upper, 
and can not be separated from it, even by the most violent trac- 
tion upon it; on parting the lips a fetid liquid runs out of the 
mouth, which is more or less filled with particles of food; if the 
head is lifted the whole membrana nictitans obscures the greater 
part of the eyeball. 

Backing is extremely difficult or even impossible; turning is 
also very laborious; the trunk, neck, and shoulders can not be 
flexed, the extremities are as stiff as stilts. 

Course. — The course of tetanus is variable, according to the in- 
dividual. It commonly develops rapidly, and death takes place 
in two or three days. In some cases death occurs more slowly 
within four to eight days on an average. In others, again, where 
the spasm is moderate and of little extent, the disease may con- 
tinue for several weeks. 

Recovery before the third week is rare; about this time the 
spasm begins to decline, the appetite returns, respiration becomes 
calmer, and the movements more free; very often recovery takes 
place only at the end of five or six weeks; there may be a con- 
tinuance of the stiffness of movement and tension of the extensors 
of the spinal column for a long period of time. 

Treatment. — A systematic course of food and the freedom of 
the patient from all kinds of excitement are the two main indica- 
tions of the treatment. It is advisable to place the patient in a 
dark stall, so situated as to be isolated and free from all noises, 
and only one man should be in attendance, as strangers entering 
the stall of a patient affected with only a mild attack m.ay cause 



68 

excitsment and the animal be thrown into a violent spasm and 
die in a short time. 

Give the patient green fodder, slop, mealy drinks, liquid food, 
and cold water as oftan as he may show a desire to eat or drink. 

Medicinal agants are of secondary importance in the treatment 
of lockjaw. Large doses (2 to 8 ounces) of bromide of potassium 
should be given in the drinking watar several times daily. The 
administration of medicines by the mouth is not practicable by 
reason of the lockjaw as well as through causing excitement. 

The infected wound requires special care. It should be well 
opened up, disinfected, foreign bodies extracted, etc. 

Some authors recommend the use of the suspending sling. 

In the horse the mortality from this disease is from 80 to 85 per 
cent of cases. 

DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 

On account of the character of its food the horse has been sup- 
plied with molar teeth, having the grinding surfaces roughened; 
it must be remembered that the lower jaw is narrower than the 
upper jaw, and the table (grinding) surfaces are sloping. The 
distance from the gum to the grin ling surface is the greatest on 
the outside surface of the upper molars and the reverse is the 
case in the lower molars. 

On account of this conformation a sharp ridge (or points) is 
liable to develop on the outside of the upper molars and may be 
found on the inside of the lower ones. These points are some- 
times very sharp, and may lacerate the cheeks and tongue during 
mastication. A horse so affected will frequently bolt his food 
before thoroughly masticating it, thereby causing chronic indi- 
gestion. It may also interfere with the reining of the animal 
and cause great annoyance to his rider. 

Such irregularities can be easily detected by an examination 
of the animal's mouth by the hand, and when found, these sharp 
edges must be removed by the use of a float. 

Decayed teeth. 

All teeth are apt to decay, such decay being generally due to 
an injury. 

A decayed tooth will be found in one of the following condi- 
tions: Split, broken, or shorter than the surrounding ones, and 



69 

having a fetid odor. The opposing tooth in the opposite jaw is 
often found to be elongated. 

Treatment. — A diseased tooth nrnst be extracted and the elon- 
gated one, if any exist, must be shortened to correspond with its 
fellows. 

Symptoms of irregularities in teeth. — Quidding of the food, 
holding the head to one side while masticating food or drinking 
water, slobbering, chronic catarrh, fetid breath, swelling of the 
superior maxilla in the neighborhood of the teeth, general 
unthrifty appearance, etc. 

THUMPS— SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

Caused by severe exertion. 

Symptoms. — In the left costal region and in the corresponding 
flank we observe shocks which shake the whole body at times; 
they are usually accompanied by a. short, jerking expiration, and 
by a dull, thumping sound which is heard at a distance of several 
paces. 

Treatment. — Quietude must be insisted upon. 

Give the following: Aromatic spirits ammonia 2 ounces, water 

1 pint. Or, sweet sjDirits of niter 2 ounces, fld. ext. belladonna 

2 drams, water to make 1 pint. Either mixture may be repeated 
in one hour if necessary. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE. 

ERYTHEMA. 

Erythema is a congested or slightly inflamed condition of the 
skin, unattended by any eruption. The parts are slightly swollen, 
hot, tender, or itchy, and dry, and if the skin is white there is 
redness. 

Erythema may arise from a variety of causes, as chilling or 
partial freezing, heat and burning, chapping, urine, and medicine. 

Treatment. — Apply the following several times daily: Sulphate 
of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 quart. Or, use 
the following ointment twice daily: Oxide of zinc 1 oimce, cos- 
moline 6 ounces. 



70 

SCRATCHES. 

Scratches is allied to grease, but not so severe, but if neglected 
may terminate in that disease. It is usually of a dry nature, with 
shallow cracks in the skin, and often discharging a thin liquid, 
which does not irritate the skin. The disease is located in the 
back part of the pastern joint. 

Treatment. — Cleanse thoroughly with castile soap and water, 
dry, and apply: Sulphate of zinc 1 ouncs, acetate of lead 1 ounce, 
water 1 quart. Or, oxide of zinc 1 part, lanolin 10 parts. Or, 
tincture of iodine may be resorted to. 

GREASE. 

Grease heel is a chronic inflammation of the skin of the back 
part of the fetlock and pastern. 

The skin is at first red, swollen, painful, and hot. It is soon 
covered by vesicles (blisters) which burst and discharge a thin, 
yellowish liquid, which is at first without odor. The hairs are 
matted together, erect, or have fallen out in large quantities. 

Grease produces, in the course of time, serious alterations in 
the pastern. The excreted liquid becomes decomposed and 
softens the epidermis. A kind of sticky, doughy exudate is 
formed, which is of bad aspect, of fetid odor, and very irritating. 

The back part of the pastern and fetlock becomes the seat of 
granulating wounds, the granulations ranging in size from that 
of a pea to a large grape (the so-called grapy stage). 

Treatment. — In the first stage claanliness and the application 
of the ordinary drying powder or antiseptic ointments are sufB- 
cient. In cases where proud flesh exists, the granulations must 
be removed with the knife and burned with red-hot iron or lunar 
caustic and then treated as a fresh wound. 

MANGE (scabies). 

This is a contagious skin disease produced by parasites and 
can be transmitted to mar. 

There are three parasites that cause mange; two varieties 
burrow into the deeper layers of the skin, one being found about 
the head and neck, though it may spread over the surface of the 
body; the other variety is found at the roots of the mane and 



71 

tail, while the third species does not burrow into the skin and is 
found on the extremities. 

Symptoiiis. — This disease is characterized by great itchiness, 
associated with the formation of pustules. As the disease devel- 
ops, large surfaces become destitute of hair and are covered by 
powdery crusts of variable thickness. At a later period the skin 
becomes thickened, wrinkled, and fissured, assuming the appear- 
ance of the skin of the rhinoceros. 

Treatment. — The first essential is the separation and isolation 
of the unhealthy from the well animals. Wash the affected 
parts thoroughly with warm water, soap, and a scrubbing brush, 
and apply the following: Acetanilid 10 parts, creolin 5 parts, 
cosmoline 20 parts. Melt the cosmoline and mix with the other 
ingredients while cooling. This ointment should be applied 
twice a day and the parts thoroughly washed every other day. 
Continue the treatment until the skin becomes healthy. 

SIMPLE INJURIES TO THE EYE. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids may 
be caused by bruises or the presence of a foreign body, such as 
sand, chaff, etc. 

Treatment. — If due to the presence of a foreign body it should 
be removed at once and the eye bathed with cold water and the 
following eye lotion applied: Sulphate of zinc 20 grains, boric 
acid 1 dram, water 4 ounces. 

A clean, dark cloth should be placed over the injured eye so as 
to exclude the light. The cold-water irrigations and the medici- 
nal treatment should be continued twice daily until the parts 
assume their normal condition. If the eyelids should become 
torn great care must be exercised in suturing, as the needle may 
puncture the eyeball and blindness may follow. 

OPHTHALMIA — CONJUNCTIVITIS. 

Inflammation of the outer parts of the eyeball, the exposed 
vascular and sensitive mucous membrane (conjunctiva) which 
covers the ball, the eyelids, and the haw. 

The causes of external ophthalmia are mainly those which act 
locally — blows with whips, clubs, and twigs; the presence of 
foreign bodies, such as chaff, dust, sand, ammonia arising from 
the excrement, etc. 



72- 

Symptomfi. — Watering of the eye, swollen lids, redness of the 
mucous membrane exposed by the separation of the lids, and a 
bluish opacity of the cornea, which is normally clear and trans- 
lucent. The eyelids may be kept closed, the eyeball retracted, 
and the haw protruded over one-third or one-half of the ball. 
If the affection has resulted from a wound of the cornea, a white 
speck or fleecy cloud is formed, and often blood vessels begin to 
extend from the adjacent vascular covering of the eye to the 
white spot, and that portion of the cornea is rendered perma- 
nently opaque. 

Treatment.— T\^Q first thins: is to remove the cause. Place the 
horse in a dark stall, bathe with tepid water and the following 
lotion: Zinc sulphate 20 grains, boric acid 1 dram, water 4 
ounces. This treatment should be applied and continued twice 
daily until the parts assume their normal condition. 

RECURRENT OPHTHALMIA — MOONBLINDNESS. 

This affection, sometimes called periodic ophthalmia, is an 
inflammation of the interior of the eye, and is intimately related 
to certain soils, climates, and systems, showing a strong tendency 
to recur again and again, usually ending in blindness from cata- 
ract or other serious injury. 

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the attack. In 
some cases there is marked fever. The local symptoms are in the 
main those of ophthalmia; opacity advances from the margin over 
a part or the whole of the cornea. An attack lasts from ten to 
fifteen days. The attacks may follow each other at intervals of 
a month, more or less, but they show no particular relation to 
any particular phase of the moon. From five to seven attacks 
usually result in blindness, and then the second eye is liable to be 
attacked until it also is ruined. 

Treatment. — Is largely the same as that for common ophthal- 
mia. During recovery a course of tonics is often very beneficial 
and acts in assisting to ward off another attack. Such a tonic 
is the following: Sulphate iron 1 ounce, gentian \% ounces, nux 
vomica 1% ounces. Make into twelve powders and give one 
powder, in feed, twice a day. 



73' 



CATARACT. 



Cataract is opacity of the crystalline lens. No treatment will 
restore it to its normal condition. 



CHAPTER IX. 

DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

CORNS. 

A corn is the result of a bruise, involving the structures of the 
sensitive sole, appearing as a reddish spot due to congestion of 
blood in small ruptured vessels in the triangular space included 
between the bars and the wall at the liBel; occuring in the fore 
feet. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoe, give exit to pus if the corn has 
festered, then poultice. The radical cure, however, is to be 
effected by proper shoeing. Do not allow the shoe to bear on 
the corn. 

THRUSH. 

Thrush is a disease of the frog, characterized by an offensive 
discharge. 

Symptoms. — At first there is simply an increased moisture in 
the cleft of the frog, accompanied by an offensive smell. After 
a time a considerable discharge takes xilace— thin, watery, and 
highly offensive — changing gradually to a thicker, putrid matter, 
which rapidly destroys the horn of the frog. 

Treatment. — As a rule the diseased and ragged portions of the 
horn are to be pared away, the foot poulticed for a day or two, 
the cleft of the frog and the grooves on their edges to be cleaned 
and well filled with dry calomel, blue vitriol, or alum; if the dis- 
charge is profuse the dressing should be changed daily, other- 
wise it may be left on for two or three days at a time. As the 
disease is due to filth the horn must be kept clean and dry, and 
if necessary a leather boot can be put on. 

CANKER. 

The symptoms of this disease are strongly marked, and consist 
of an abundant, fetid, colorless discharge from the frog or sole, 



74 

which is large, spongy, and covered by pallid, stringy promi- 
nences of a fungoid nature, intermixed with offensive smelling, 
semidried, cheesy masses of matter. 

It usually commences in the frog and rapidly extends to the 
sole, and even the sensitive laminae. 

Treatment. — Remove all pieces of sole or frog covering the dis- 
eased parts, and with a red-hot iron destroy all unnatural growth; 
cleanse thoroughly with hot or warm water and then apply the 
following: Equal parts of sulphate of iron, sulphate of zinc, and 
sulphate of copper. Pack the foot with oakum and place it in a 
boot, as pressure is necessary; change the dressings twice a day 
and destroy all unnatural growths, if any, by the red-hot iron or 
lunar caustic. 

PUNCTURE OF THE FROG AND SOLE. 

Puncture of the frog and sole is usually the result of a horse 
stepping on a nail, and, if the nail penetrates into the sensitive 
structures of the foot, inflammation and lameness will follow; 
and unless the wound is well opened, so as to allow a thorough 
cleansing and the application of a 4 per cent solution of creolin 
or a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, pus will form. Unless 
the pus has a good outlet it will burrow into the surrounding tis- 
sues and terminate in canker. Another reason for opening a 
wound is that the germs of tetanus (lockjaw) are present around 
stables: the nail carries with it a certain amount of dirt, and if 
this dirt is impregnated with those germs, and is deposited in the 
deep tissues and left there undisturbed, lockjaw is very apt to 
develop. 

Pricks in shoeing are of two kinds, namely, those actually pene- 
trating the sensitive parts, and those where the nail, not actually 
penetrating the sensitive structures, is driven so near as to cause 
bulging of the inner layer of horn and pressure upon the sensi- 
tive interior, leading to inflammation and great lameness, with 
or without suppuration. 

To detect punctured wounds of the feet it is necessary to remove 
the shoe from the foot affected, then to examine all around the 
margin of the sole by pressing it and the crust with the pincers; 
when the seat of the injury is pressed the horse will generally 
evince pain. 



75 

Pricks in shoeing tisnally manifest themselves shortly after the 
horse has been shod, but occasionally there may be no sign for 
three or four weeks. 

Treatment. — When inflammation is present the application of 
warm water is very beneficial; this is best accomplished by plac- 
ing the injured foot in a pail of warm water for about one hour; 
continue this twice daily. Warm flaxseed poultices are very 
good; a solution of creolin 4 per cent, or carbolic acid 5 per cent, 
should be mixed with the poultice. When the inflammation is 
reduced and the formation of pus, if any, has ceased, the hole 
should be closed with a piece of oakum, saturated with pine tar. 

QUITTOR. 

Quittor is a fistulous wound situated on the heels or hind quar- 
.ters of the hoof, generally caused by pricks, bruises, or suppur- 
ating corns. The symptoms of quittor are lameness, swelling 
upon the coronet, about the center of which one or more small 
orifices are seen, discharging either a thin liquid secretion or a 
soft, thick, perhaps cheesy, pus. From the external orifices 
sinuses (tubes) are found, generally leading in a downward direc- 
tion, beneath the coronary substance, lateral cartilage, and into 
the soft tissues. In many cases the animal is extremely lame 
and scarcely able to put the foot to the ground. A quittor 
differs from a wound, or a recent abscess on the coronet, by the 
condition of the parts, which have taken on a peculiarly un- 
healthy action, by the character of the surrounding swelling, 
which is hard to the touch, and by the presence of sinuses. 

Treatment. — This will depend upon the cause. If it be any- 
thing within the foot, as a festered corn or prick, a dependent 
opsning must be made in the sole to allow the escape of pus, and 
then treat it as a punctured wound of the sole. In a case of 
quittor where no communication exists batween the wound and 
the plantar surface of the foot it will have to be treated by injec- 
tions of creolin, carbolic acid, or bichloride of mercury. If after 
a few days of this treatment the wound does not show a tendency 
to heal the following solution can be used: Bichloride mercury 
1 dram, water 1 ounce. One or two injections of this will cause 
the exposed surface of the wound to cast off a thin slough and 
leave a healthy granulating surface. Poultices assist the separa- 
tion of the slough and tend to soothe the irritation. They should 



76 

therefore be continned for several days. If this treatment is not 
successful aftar a reasonable length of time, a surgical operation 
will have to be resorted to. 

LAMINITIS — FOUNDER. 

Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae and may 
involve the adjacent structures. 

There are three forms of the disease — acute, subacute, and- 
chronic. 

The exudation is greatest at the toe, the foot being most vas- 
cular at this point. The piin of laminitis is most persistant and 
agonizing, because the sensitive foot is invested within an un- 
yielding horny box, pressing upon the engorged blood vessels, 
preventing free exudation and swelling, and thus proving a bar- 
rier to the method by which congested blood vessels are relieved. 

Causes. — The most common are concussion, overexertion, ex- 
haustion, rapid changes of temperature, and eating of various 
improper foods (musty grain, etc.). 

Syiujjtoms. — In laminitis of both front feet the animal is excess- 
ively lame, almost immovable, especially at starting: he seems 
as if all his body were cramped: st:inds with his hind legs drawn 
under the belly and the fore feet advanced, in order to relieve 
them of as much weight as possible; occasionally he may be seen 
to sway himself backward, elevating the toes and throwing the 
weight for a moment uj^on the heels of the fore feet, and then re- 
suming his original position. If compelled to move he elevates 
his feet with great difficulty, not because the muscles of locomo- 
tion are inflamed, as is sometimes supposed, but because he re- 
quires all of his feet to be on the ground at the same time to bear 
the weight of his body. He will often groan with pain, while 
sweat bedews the skin. 

To diagnose a case quickly the best method is to push the horse 
backward, when it will be seen at once that he will elevate his 
toes and throw his weight upon the heels. 

The pulse of laminitis is full, strong, and rapid, and will main- 
tain the character of strength and fullness even after general de- 
bility has manifested itself. In some instances the animal will 
lie down upon its side with the legs stretched out for hours to- 
gether, evidently feeling great relief from the assumption of this 



77 

position: while in others, particularly during the early period of 
th3 disaasB, it will stand persistently. 

When the hind feet only are affected the patient stands with 
all his four feet together; the fore feet are pushed under the 
body and not extended as when they are inflamed; the hind ones 
are brought forward in order to throw the weight upon the 
heels. 

When all four feet are affected the Fyn:ptoms will conf^ipt of a 
combination of the foregoing, ^Aith IoclI heat in all the feet, 
some degree of throbbing of the plantar arteries, and tenderness 
upon manipulation or to the touch of the hammer. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoes from the affected feet, and 
place them in hot poultices, changirg them every hour as they 
bacome cold. After two or three days these can be replaced by 
cold water, which can be applied either in the form of a foot 
bath or by standing the animal in a running stream for five or 
six hours at a time. 

As soon as the pain diminishes moierate exercise is beneficial, 
and it may be gradually increased until the animal shows no 
further sign of the disease. 

If at the end of the fifth or sixth day prominent symptoms of 
recovery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of cantharides 
around the coronet, repeating the* blister if necessary. In addi- 
tion to this local treatment saltpeter in doses of 2 to 4 ounces can 
be given three times daily, and if constipated give 1 quart of raw 
linseed oil. 



CHAPTER X. 

DISEASES OF BOXE AND DP:TECTI0N OF LAMENESS. 

SIDEBONES. 

Sidebone is an ossification of the lateral cartilage. 

Si/niptoiiis. — A hard unyielding condition of the lateral carti- 
lage, which may become very prominent, with or without kme- 
ness. 

Treatmsnt. — If the enlargement causes lameness, a blister 
should be applied and rapaated in ten days if nesessary. If the 
animal is still lame, firing, followed by rest, may prove beneficial 



78 

BONE SPAVIN. 

Bone spavin is a disease involving the bones in the hock joint, 
and appears as a bony enlargement, situated at the inner and 
lower part of the tarsus. 

Causes. — Weakness, faulty conformation, severe strains, hard 
and rapid work, etc. 

Symjittoms. — A tiard, bony enlargement situated at the inner 
and lower part of the hock joint, usually accompanied by lame- 
ness. In the first stages of the disease lameness is noticed only 
when the animal is first moved after a rest, and then the toe is 
generally placed upon the ground first. 

The ' ' spavin test ' ' is sometimes useful in diagnosing spavin 
lameness. It consists in keeping the hock joint flexed for one or 
two minutes, and then trotting the horse. The lameness is very 
marked. 

Treatment. — The treatment of bone spavin is the same as that 
prescribed for ringbone. 

RINGBONE. 

Ringbone is a bony enlargement, more or less prominent, situ- 
ated upon either the os suffraginis or os coronce, and it may also 
involve the articular cartilages. 

Causes. — Injuries, such as blows, sprains, jumping, and fast 
work on hard roads. 

Symptoms. — Chronic bony enlargements, accompanied usually 
by lameness, are the most prominent symptoms. 

Diagnosis is assisted by palpitation (feeling) and comparison 
of the two legs. The enlargement is hard, painless on pressure, 
and the skin covering it is movable. 

Treatment.— The foot must be pared perfectly level, and a 
blister applied to the enlargement and repeated in two weeks if 
necessary. Perfect rest and quietude for four to six weeks are 
essential, or no beneficial results can be expected. 

If the rest and blisters fail to remove the lameness firing may 
sometimes be resorted to. Puncture firing in two or three rows 
is often very effective. After firing the animal must be kept 
quiet in a single stall for at least one month. 



79 

SPLINTS. 

Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated between the 
inner splint bone and the cannon (large and inner small meta- 
carpals) at their upper third. 

Causes. — Faulty action or unequal distribution of pressure in 
the knee may throw an excessive load on the inner small meta- 
carpal and cause rupture in the periosteum affixing the small to 
the large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth of bone. 

Symptoms. — A bony enlargement is found, usually situated on 
the inner and upper part of the cannon bone, and may or may 
not be accompanied by lameness. 

Treatment. — If there is lameness give the animal absolute rest, 
and apply a blister composed as follows: Biniodide of mercury 1 
dram, cosmoline 5 drams. Repeat in ten days if necessary. 

DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 

Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when the animal is 
at rest. Distinct symptoms, such as pointing or frequent raising 
of the affected limb, are noticed. The animal's instinct leads 
him to place the affected part in a position to relieve the pain. 
In locating the lame leg, trot the horse with the halter on, leav- 
ing II2 feet of rope, thus allowing free play to all muscles con- 
cerned in locomotion, and have him trotted slowly toward and 
from the observer. 

If lame in one fore leg, the right one for instance, the head will 
nod more or less when he steps on the left fore leg, while the 
head jerks up at the moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed 
upon the ground. 

Hence, the head of the lame animal always nods when the 
sound leg is planted. Should there be lameness in both fore legs 
the action is stilty (stiff) ; the natural, elastic stride is wanting; 
the steps are shortened, and the feet kept close to the ground. 
Almost invariably the hind legs are picked up higher than nor- 
mally: the shoulders appear stiff arid the head is carried rather 
high, while the lumbar region is arched. 

Lameness behind is seen by trotting the horse from the observer, 
the croup being the essential part to be watched, since it falls or 
drops with the sound leg and rises with the lame one. 

If lame in both hind legs, the stride is shortened and awkward; 
the fore legs are kept back of the vertical line, and are apt to be 



80 

raised higher than usual, while the head is lowered. Backing is 
difficult, and it is almost impossible to keep the animal at a trot 
when he is lame in more than one leg. 

Horses lame in both fore or hind legs show a waddling gait 
b3hind, oftan mistaken for lameness originating in the lumbar 
region. This p3culiar motion is simply due to the fact that the 
hind legs are unduly advanced under the body for their own 
relief or that of the front legs. Close attention is to be paid to 
the animal's action as he turns while being trotted to and from 
the observer, as at this moment— that is, while he turns— any 
hitoh bacomes visible; as, for instance, spavin or stringhalt 
lameness. 

Always place the lame leg in its natural position and inspect 
the various parts of the leg both with the hand and eye, compar- 
ing them always with the sound leg to find anatomical changes. 

In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully. Heat, 
pain, and swelling are always guides in the diagnosis of lameness. 

All lameness is divided into two classes: First, swinging-leg 
lameness, which is shown by a shortened stride and a more or 
less dragging of the leg; second, supporting-leg lameness, which 
shows itsBlf when the leg supports the weight of the body. The 
former is shown in diseased condition of the muscles. The latter 
is shown in disease of bone, tendons, ligaments, and the hoof. 

The stifle is the only joint liable to dislocation in the horse. 
In this trouble the patella is forced outward, and thus makes 
the joint immovable, the leg being extended backward and the 
foot resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to move he drags 
the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural manner 
on account of the disloeation of the patella. 

The treatment consists in reducing the dislocation. This is 
performed in the following manner: A rope being placed about 
the pastern, the leg is steadily drawn forward by one or more 
assistants, while the operator presses the patella forward and 
inward. When the bone regains its proper position the animal 
has proper control of his leg. If the parts are inflamed frequent 
application of acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, 1% ounces of 
each to a quart of water, will relieve the inflammation. When 
this has been accomplished a smart blister must be applied — 
cantharides 1 part, cosmoline 5 parts. At the same time the 
animal must be kept perfectly quiet. 



81 



CHAPTER XI. 

MEDICIN^ES; THEIR ACTION AXD USES. 

Antiseptics.— nemedies which arrest putrefaction. They kill 
or prevent the development of those bacteria which produce sep- 
tic decomposition. 

Examples: Corros. sub., carbolic acid, creolin. 

Disinfecfaufs.—Destroy the specific poisons of communicable 
diseases by killing or arresting the development of those germs 
which produce disease. 

Examples: Lime, sulphur gas, etc. 

Deodorants.— BisguisQ or destroy odors. 

Examples: Iron sulphate, carbolic acid, etc. 

Antidotes. — Counteract poisons. 

Bubefacients. ~C3iUse redness of the skin. 

Examples: Alcohol, turpantine, etc. 

Vesica Jits.—C'duse a discharge of serum from the skin. 

Example: Cantharides. 

Stomachics. — Promote digestion. 

Examjiles: Gentian, ginger, etc. 

Vermicides. — Kill worms. 

Examples: Turp3ntine, iron sulphate, etc. 

Anthehninthics or Vei-mifuges.-Remove intestinal worms by 
purgation. 

Pa ra s itic ides.— Destroy parasites. 

Examples: Carbolic acid, creolin, etc. 

Purgatives.— ^YSLCuate the bowels. 

Examples: Aloes. 

Cholagogues. —Fromote secretion of bile. 

Examples: Aloes, calomel. 

Dia2jJwretics.—lncreB;SQ perspiration. 

Examples: Warm clothing, ethers. 

Diuretics. — Increase secretion of urine. 

Examples: Potass, nit., turpentine. 

Tonics.— Gradually but permanently improve appetite and 
increase vigor. 

Examples: Quinine, iron, gentian, etc. 



82 

Stimulants. — Promptly but temporarily increase nervous vigor, 
thus increasing action of the heart and other functions. 

Examples: Alcohol, ammonia, ether. 

Alteratives. — Correct morbid conditions without causing 
marked physiological effects. 

Examples: Mercury, iodine, iodide of potassium. 

Astringents. — Contract living tissues. 

Examx)les: Alum, zinc sulphate, tannic acid. 

Sedatives. — Depress (slow) both the nervous and circulatory 
systems. 

Examples: Aconite, acetanilid, i3otas. bromide. 

Anodynes. — Relieve p lin by diminishing the excitability of 
nerves and nerve centers. 

Examples: Opium, belladonna. 

Antispasmodics. — Prevent or remove spasmodic contractions 
of voluntary or involuntary muscles. 

Examples: Belladonna, sulphuric ether. 

Carminatives. — Aid in the expulsion of gas from the intestines 
by increasing peristalsis, stimulating circulation, etc. 

Examples: Capsicum, ginger, aromatic spts. ammonia, etc. 

Febrifuges or antipyretics. — Agents which reduce high tem- 
perature of the blood. 

Examples: Cold water, acetanilid. 

VETERINARY MEDICINES. 

Acetanilid. — Is a febrifuge and antiseptic. Used internally to 
lower fever and to relieve the pain of rheumatism, in doses of 
from 1 to 4 drams. Used externally as an antiseptic in the 
form of a dry dressing. 

Acid, arsenious (arsenic). — Is an irritant, corrosive poison, 
given internally in doses of from 1 to 6 grains as a digestive tonic, 
and for skin diseases, usually in combination with iron sulphate 
and gentian. Externally it is used to remove warts, in the form 
of an ointment, 1 part of arsenic to 8 or 10 of lard. 

Acid, horacic. — Action, antiseptic; a 10 p3r cent solution is 
very useful in conjunctivitis. With oxide of zinc it makes a 
very nice dressing for abrasions, scratches, etc. 



-83 

Acid, car^bolic. — A valuable antiseptic and disinfectant. A 5 
per cent solution makes a very good wash for all wounds. A 
very good prescription for local use is the following: 
Carbolic acid, 6 drams. 
Grlycerin, 1'^ ounces. 
Water to make 1 pint. 
Acid, salicylic. — A useful antiseptic. A valuable remedy in 
the treatment of rheumatism. The dose given is from 3 to 8 
drams. Best given mixed wdth boracic acid. 
Salicylic acid, 8 to 6 drams. 
Boracic acid, 1 to 3 drams. 
Make into one powder, and repeat three times a day. 
Salicylic acid dusted upon a wound will remove the granula- 
tions of proud flesh. 

Acid, tannic. — An astringent and antiseptic. It is given inter- 
nally in diarrhea and dysentery. Dose, 30 grains to 1 dram. 
The following prescription may be given: 
Acid, tannic, }'2 to 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, }^ to 1 dram. 
Make into one ball and repeat every two hours until the diar- 
rhea is checked. 

Tannic acid is an excellent remedy, used in the form of a satu- 
rated solution (with water), for hardening tender shoulders. 

Aconite. — Is a dangerous poison and should not be used 
internally, but locally. Mixed with other drugs it makes a good 
anodyne liniment: 

Aconite, 2 ounces. 
Alcohol, 5 ounces. 
Opium, tincture, 4 ounces. 
Witch-hazel, distilled, 5 ounces. 
Mix, and apply several times daily. 

Alcohol. — Stimulant. Given for weak heart in debilitating dis- 
eases, such as lung troubles, etc. Dose, 2 to 4 ounces in 1 pint of 
water, and repeated every four to six hours, as required. 
It is useful in the formation of liniments. 

Aloes, Barbados. — A purgative; it is the general purgative for 
the horse. Dose, 6 to 8 drams. 

Aloes, Barbados, 6 to 8 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 
Make into a ball and give upon an empty stomach. 



84 

A purgative should never be given in diseases of the respiratory 
system. 
It generally takes abont 24 hours to operate. 
Alum. — Astringent. It is useful as a wash for sore mouths; 
used in the strength of i^ ounce to 1 quart of water. Externally 
it is a valuable remedy in the treatment of thrush. Burnt alum 
is useful for the removal of proud flesh. 

Ammonia, aromatic spirits of. — Stimulant and carminative. 
A very useful remedy in the treatment of colics. 
Aromatic spirits of ammonia, \% ounces. 
Fluid extract cannabis indica, % ounce. 
Powdered ginger, % ounce. 
Salicylic acid, 3 drams. 
Water, 1 pint. 
Give in one dose, and repeat in forty-five minutes to one hour 
if necessary. 

Ammonia, solution of. — Used externally only, in combination 
with other drugs, as a stimulating liniment. 
Ammonia, solution of, 1 part. 
Turpentine, oil of, 1 part. 
Olive oil, 2 parts. 
To be well shaken before using. It is an excellent external 
application for sore throat. 

Ammonia, chloride of. — Used in all cases where an expectorant 
is indicated, such as diseases of the respiratory system. Dose, 1 
to 4 drams. For catarrhal diseases it is usually combined with 
quinine and nitrate of potash, prepared in the following manner: 
Ammonia, chloride of, 8 ounces. 
Quinine sulphate, 6 drams. 
Nitrate of potash, 3 ounces. 
Make into twelve powders and give one every three or four 
hours. 

Expectorants act up^^n the mucous membrane of the respira- 
tory organs and cause an expulsion of their secretions. 

Belladonna, fluid extract. — Antispasmodic and anodyne. Used 
in cases of colic in conjunction with other medicines. Dose, 1 to 
2 drams. 

When applied to the eyes it dilates the pupil and soothes the 
irritated membrane. Generally used in combination with sul- 
phate of zinc or boracic-acid solutions. 



85 

A very useful wash for the treatment of conjunctivitis is made 
as follows: 

Sulphate of zinc, 20 grains. 
Belladonna, fid. ext., 2 drams. 
Water, S^o ounces. 
Apply twice a day. 

Camphor, gum. — Antispasmodic and antiseptic. Dose, 1 to 2 
drams. A very good remedy for diarrhea is made as follows: 
Camphor, gum, 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, 1 dram. 
Make into a ball; give, and repoat every two hours until relief 
is afforded. 

Externally it is useful for sprains, combined with other medi- 
cines, forming what is known as the soap liniment. 
Castile soap, 10 parts. 
Camphor. 5 parts. 
Alcohol, 70 parts. 
Water, 15 parts. 
To be used only externally as a mild, stimulating, anodyne 
liniment. 

Cannabis indica (Indian hemp) . — Antispasmodic and anodyne. 
Its main use is in colic, as it relieves pain without causing con- 
stipation. Dose, 2 to 4 drams. 

Cannabis indica, 2 to 4 drams. 
Ammonia, aromatic spirits, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 pint. 
Give at one dose and repeat in three-quarters of an hour if 
necessary. This is an excellent remedy for colic. 

Cantharidss, poivdared (Spanish fly). — Used only for its blis- 
tering effect. A most excellent blister to be kept in stock is made 
in the following manner: Take 5 ounsesof powdered cantharides 
and 1 pound of cosmoline, put them into a vessel made like a 
glue pot (water bath) and let them heat for about one hour; stir 
continuously while cooling. Small quantities can be made by 
rubbing with a spatula the cantharides and cosmoline together 
on a piece of glass. 

Capsicum (cayenne pepper).— Stomachic and carminative. 
Given internally in combination with gentian and ginger in mild 



86 

Charcoal. — A mild antiseptic and deodorant. It is very good 
mixed with poultices, especially for wounds and sores that have 
a foul odor. It may be dusted on the surface of foul sores and 
will soon destroy the odor. Internally it is given in doses of 2 to 
4 drams, and is useful in chronic indigestion and diarrhea. 

Copper sulphate (blue vitriol, bluestone). — Used principally as 
a local stimulant and antiseptic for thrush and canker. A good 
remedy for thrush or canker is equal parts of sulphate of copper 
(powdered) , sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of iron. This powder 
can be applied two or three times daily. 

Collodion. — When painted over wounds it forms an air-tight 
coating and in small wounds keeps the edges in a fixed position 
and promotes healing. Especially valuable when applied to 
punctured wounds of joints. 

Chloroform. — Antispasmodic, stimulant, and anodyne. Useful 
in colics. Dose, 1 to 2 drams, well diluted. 

Anaesthesia is its principal action— the meaning of which is 
" to produce unconsciousness;" literally, " loss of sensation." It 
may be added to anodyne liniments. 

Cosmoluie. — A by-prolact of pstroleam. Used as a base for 
ointments. 

Creolin. — Anonpoisonous, nonirritating antiseptic and parasit- 
icide. It is one of the best medicines that we have: not only as 
a valuable application for all wounds, but it will destroy all para- 
sites with which the animal may become infested. 

Used in solution or ointment in a strength of 1 to 50 down to 1 
to 20. In mange it is used in a 5 per cent solution. 

Digitalis, fluid extract of.— A. very dangerous poison, and 
should not b3 administered internally. 

Ether, nitrous (sweet spirits niter) .—Stimulant, antispasm.odic, 
diuretic, and diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

A very useful stimulant in all cases of weakness of the heart's 
action. For its stimulating and antispasmodic actions it is given 
in colics combined with belladonna or cannabis indica. 

Ether, s?f Zp/iitrzc— Stimulant, antispasmodic, and carminative. 
Dose, 1 to 2 ounces well diluted. 

Combined with belladonna or cannabis indica its antispasmodic 
action is increased. 



87 

Fenugreek. — Aromatic and stomachic. Sometimes combined 
with tonics to disguisa their odors. Dose, 1 ounce. 

Flaxseed meal. — Used for poultices. 

Gentian. — Stomachic and bitter tonic. It improves the appe- 
tite and general tone. Dose, 3^ to 1 ounce. 

G/wger.— Stomachic and carminative. Combined with purga- 
tives it diminishes their tendency to gripe, and also somewhat 
hastens their action. Dose, 3^ to 1 ounce. 

Glycerin. — Used as a base in the same manner as Cosmoline. 

Iodine. — Given internally in diabetes insipidus. Dose, 20 
grains to 1 dram, to be repeated three times daily until the quan- 
tity of urine is lessened. Best given made into a ball with flax- 
seed meal. 

Externally it is used for the removal of swellings, curbs, en- 
larged tendons, etc. It is also a useful stimulant for indolent 
sores and ulcers. A good solution for external use is made as 
follows: 

Iodine, 1 ounce. 

Iodide of potassium, 3 ounces. 

Water, 1 pint. 

To be applied several times daily. 

Iodoform. — Antiseptic. Used externally as a dry dressing, 
either alone or combined with other drugs, such as boracic acid, 
acetanilid, etc. 

Iron, tincture of the chloride of. — A valuable tonic, building 
up the system and enriching the blood. Useful in purpura and 
in convalescence after all debilitating diseases. Dose, % to 1 
ounce, well diluted. 

Used externally as an astringent and styptic in serious hemor- 
rhages. A small piece of cotton saturated with it and applied to 
the bleeding part is the proper mode of application. 

Iron, sulphate of. — Tonic. It increases the appetite and builds 
up the system. Dose, % to 1 dram. Frequently combined with 
nux vomica, etc. 

Lanolin. — Used as a base for ointments in the same manner 
as cosmoline. 

Lead, acetate of. — Astringent and a valuable remedy for reliev- 
ing local pain. Used externally to cool and relieve sprains, in- 
flamed tendons and joints, and to relieve itching skin diseases. 



88 

Used in the form of powder, ointment, or dissolved in 20 to 40 
parts of water. 

The white lotion is made as follows: 
Acetate of lead, 1 ounce. 
Sulphate of zinc, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 quart. 
Shake well and apply several times daily. 

The lotion is a very valuable remedy for the relief of all exter- 
nal diseases accompanied by heating and swelling. 

Lime, chloride o/.— This is the best disinfectant that we have. 
Four ounces to 1 gallon of water is the proper strength. This 
solution should be used as a wash for the disinfection of stables. 
A small portion of choride of lime placed arotmd in stables will 
destroy the odor arising from decomposed urine. 

Lunar caustic— JJsed for the removal of warts and proud flesh. 
Four grains to one ounce of water make a good application for 
the removal of the cloudiness remaining after an attack of oph- 
thalmia. 

Mercury, bichloride of (corrosive sublimate; antiseptic tab- 
lets).— Dissolved in water this is the most energetic antiseptic. 
One to 1 ,000 solution is the proper strength to use in the treat- 
ment of all wounds. 

Mercury, mild chloride (calomel.)— Internally, a cholagogue. 
Dose, yi to 2 drams. It is not used alone, but is combined with 
aloes. 

Calomel, 1 dram. 
Barbados aloes, 4 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 
Water to make a ball. 
Externally, antiseptic and drying. Used in the treatment of 
ulcers and thrush. 

Mercury, biniodide.—'U SQd as a blister: its effects are very 
psnetrating. Usad principally in the treatment of spavins, 
splints, sidebones, ringbones, and all bony enlargements. 
Biniodide of mercury, 1 part. 
Cosmoline, 6 to 8 parts. 
Mix and rub together thoroughly. 
Apply with friction for at least ten minutes. 



89 

Nux vomica, powdered: — A nerve stimulant and tonic. Dose, 
1^ to 1 dram. It is a very useful tonic in building up the tone of 
the system in convalesence from debilitating diseases and general 
lack of vitality. Generally given in combination with gentian, 
iron, and other tonics. 

Oil, linseed: — Laxative (mild purgative). Dose, % to 1 quart. 
Do not use boiled oil. 

Oil, olive. — Generally used as a vehicle in making liniments 
and oily solutions. 

Oil of tar (pine tar).— Useful for plugging holes and cavities 
in the hoof after all suppuration has ceased. 

Oil of turpentine. — Diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anthel- 
mintic and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 ounces diluted with oil. 

Externally it is used in the formation of liniments (see Solu- 
tion of Ammonia) . 

Opium, tincture of (laudanum). — Anodyne, antispasmodic. 
Checks secretion of mucous membrane. On account of these 
properties it is a valuable remedy in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Very useful in the treatment of all abdominal pain where there 
are no symptoms of constipation, but as a rule belladonna and 
cannabis indica are preferable. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Externally, opium tincture is used to relieve pain of sprains 
and bruises. 

A very good anodyne lotion is made as follows: 
Opium tincture, 4 ounces. 
Acetate of lead, 1 ounce. 
Water to make 1 quart. 

Apply every few hours. 

Opium, powdered. — Not used externally. It is used internally 
for the same purj^se as the tincture. 

Potassium bromide. — Nerve sedative. Dose, 
In tetanus this medicine can be given in large doses. 

Potassiurn nitrate (saltpeter). — Alterative, febrifuge, and diu- 
retic. Dose, 1 to 4 drams. In the treatment of laminitis the 
dose is 3 to 4 ounces, repeated three times a day. Externally it 
makes a good cooling lotion: 

Nitrate potassium (saltpeter), 5 ounces. 
Chloride of ammonia, 5 ounces. 
Water, 16 ounces. 

Mix and keep the affected parts saturated with this lotion. 



90 

Internally, saltpeter is a most excellent medicine in the treat- 
ment of catarrhal and febrile diseases. It is also useful in the 
treatment of swollen legs. 

Potassium iodide. — Alterative, diuretic, and expectorant. Dose, 
2 to 4 drams. It is given to promote absorption of enlargements, 
such as enlarged glands in lymphangitis, and in partial paralysis 
resulting from injury to the brain or spinal cord. 

For such purposes full doses are given twice a day for two 
weeks. 

Potassium pe7'7nanganate. — Disinfectant and deodorant. Use- 
ful for the removal of foul odors arising from unhealthy wounds; 
also for cleaning hands and instruments. From 1 to 4 drams, 
water 1 pint, is the proper strength of the solution for use. 

Quinine, sulphate of. — Tonic, stomachic, antiseptic, and mild 
febrifuge. Dose, 3^ to 1 dram, repeated three times a day. It is 
given in all febrile and debilitating diseases. Combined with 
sulphate of iron it is very useful in purpura. In influenza and 
pneumonia it is generally combined Vvdth gentian and nitrate of 
potash, made into powders in the following proportions: 
Quinine sulphate, 1 ounce. 
Gentian, 3 ounces. 

Make twelve powders and give three times a day. 

Salol. — Antiseptic and antirheumatic. Used chiefly in rheum- 
atism. Dose, 2 to 4 drams, three times a day. Also used extern- 
ally for its antiseptic properties. 

Sodium bicarbonate. — Carminative, stomachic, relieves acidity 
of the stomach. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. This is an excellent medi- 
cine in chronic indigestion and flatulency. 

Sulphur. — Parasiticide. This medicine may be used for the 
treatment of mange, but it is inferior to creolin or carbolic acid. 

Witch-hazel. — A cooling astringent wash, very useful when 
combined with other medicines in the form of liniments. 

Zinc si/Zp/iafe.— Externally it is much used as a stimulant and 
astringent for wounds, foul ulcers, etc. It is an excellent remedy 
for the treatment of thrush and canker. 

Sulphate of zinc - - ) 

Sulphate of copper - Equal parts. 

Sulphate of iron . . ) 



91 

Zi7ic oxide. — Antiseptic. Used either as a dry powder dusted 
on the wounds or can be made into an ointment with lanohn: 
Zinc oxide, 1 part. 
Lanolin, 6 parts. 
Zinc chloride. — An irritant and corrosive poison, never given 
internally. Externally it is applied as a stimulant, astringent, 
caustic, and parasiticide. It is also used as an antiseptic, disin- 
fectant, and deodorant. From 2 to 4 drams to the pint of water 
are used for ordinary antiseptic purposes. 



LBJL Xil 



'-■_7 



v_-J 







